Department for Transport

Transport: Coronavirus

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, following their announcement to provide up to £167 million to bus operators under the COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant on 3 April, what plans they have to provide funding to the (1) light rail and tram, and (2) passenger and freight shipping, and (3) ferry, sectors.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government announced a multi-million-pound support package on 24 April, including support for the light rail systems in Sheffield, Manchester, West Midlands, Nottingham, and Tyne and Wear, and is working with local authorities to identify what support is needed to allow essential services to continue. The support package also included up to £17 million for critical freight services routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, up to £10.5 million for lifeline ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, and further support for critical routes between Britain and the European mainland.

Transport: Coronavirus

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the continuity of (1) essential transport services, consistently across, and within, modes, and (2) viable services after the removal of COVID-19 movement restrictions; why competition law has been temporarily suspended for Isle of Wight ferry services; and what plans they have to suspend such law for other transport providers and modes, in particular open access rail operators.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Department recognises that the COVID-19 outbreak has had unprecedented effects across the transport sector and the Government has provided comprehensive support packages across the transport sector, to ensure vital routes for supplies and people kept open. The Government announced a multi-million-pound support package on 24 April, including support for the light rail systems in Sheffield, Manchester, West Midlands, Nottingham, and Tyne and Wear, and is working with local authorities to identify what support is needed to allow essential services to continue. The support package also included up to £17 million for critical freight services routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, up to £10.5 million for lifeline ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, and further support for critical routes between Britain and the European mainland. The Government also announced, on Friday 3 April, a funding boost totalling £397 million for vital bus operators, to help keep bus routes running during the coronavirus pandemic. To help keep the railways open, the Government has provided train operators (on franchises let by the Department) the opportunity to temporarily transition onto Emergency Measures Agreement, which suspend the normal financial mechanisms of franchise agreements, transferring all revenue and cost risk to the government. The Government has also provided a comprehensive support package for businesses, which includes measures to support workers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and support to businesses through the COVID Corporate Financing Facility, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. The Department is engaging with the transport sector on a regular basis to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses and providing guidance on how to access the government's business support schemes. The Government has already set out five clear tests to consider before making any adjustment to its approach. Work is underway across government and working closely with transport providers to consider how the transport system could be restarted safely and reliably once these conditions have been met Competition law has been temporarily suspended for Isle of Wight ferry services to allow the Isle’s lifeline operators to maintain a crucial lifeline between the island and the mainland. With the exception of the Solent Maritime Crossings, the Government has no current plans to grant further exclusion orders for transport providers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are providing to domestic air travel service providers; whether they offer support to more than one such provider operating on each route; and if not, how they decide which provider to support.

baroness vere of norbiton: The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and the Government recognises the challenging times facing the sector as a result of COVID-19.The aviation sector, including those operating domestic air services, will be able to draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including a Bank of England scheme for firms to raise capital, Time to Pay flexibilities with tax bills, financial support for employees and VAT deferrals. We are continuing to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual providers, so long as all other Government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted, including raising capital from existing investors. These measures have been designed to ensure that companies of any size receive the help they need to get through this difficult time.

Railways

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government, following their report Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge, published in March, what consideration they have given to reinstating plans to (1) electrify rail lines, and (2) prioritise rail routes, (a) between Cardiff and Swansea, (b) in the East Midlands, and (c) in the Lake District.

baroness vere of norbiton: Electrification will play a significant role in our programme to decarbonise the railway. Network Rail’s ongoing work developing the Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy will inform decisions about whether electrification or new technologies are the right option for all parts of the network where diesel trains currently run. In deciding which schemes to take forward at each stage of the decarbonisation programme, the Department will consider the environmental impact as well as factors such as affordability; readiness of a scheme to proceed; deliverability; the disruption that might be experienced by passengers or freight operators during works; and availability of suitable rolling stock.

Large Goods Vehicles

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the (1) enforcement measures, and (2) penalties, used to prevent HGVs using unsuitable roads.

baroness vere of norbiton: London has the necessary powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions and the penalties are a matter for the Mayor. Outside London, apart from bus lane contraventions, moving traffic offences remain a matter for the police. Local authorities may wish to work with the local police services where targeted enforcement could address a specific problem.

Railways: Electrification

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to assign new work to those working on railway electrification to ensure that experienced teams are not disbanded.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government expects electrification to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the railway and to deliver other benefits for rail users. A strong supply chain will be necessary to deliver those benefits and value for money for taxpayers as part of a sustainable decarbonisation programme. Maintenance of a skilled workforce will therefore be one criterion in considering future electrification.

Northern Cyprus: Coronavirus

lord maginnis of drumglass: To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they have made, while the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 apply, to enable UK citizens coming back from Northern Cyprus, or travelling to Northern Cyprus if currently a resident there, to fly directly to avoid an additional period of isolation if they are required to stop en route and disembark at a Turkish airport.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office worked with the Government of Cyprus to secure the necessary arrangements for 154 British Nationals in the north of Cyprus to transit to the Republic of Cyprus, to then depart on direct flights back to the UK operated by EasyJet and Aegean. This meant no repatriation flights travelled via Turkey.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce minimum safety standards for the bus industry to improve the protection of drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness vere of norbiton: On 7 April the Government published Public Health England’s guidance regarding social distancing measures in the workplace. On 11 April, the Transport Secretary wrote to all bus operators asking them to follow this guidance and implement measures recommended in it if they had not already done so. We continue working closely with the transport sector on the measures that are being put in place to protect staff. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) are updating their advice currently.

Civil Aviation Authority and European Aviation Safety Agency: Finance

lord bowness: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 23 March (HL2423), what financial contribution UK industry made to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in each of the last five years; and what assessment they have made of the financial contribution industry (1) has made to the work by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to prepare for leaving the EASA, and (2) will make to the CAA from 1 January 2021.

baroness vere of norbiton: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) activities are funded mainly from charges to industry with the remainder from the European Union and participating states. Financial information is available in EASA’s annual activity reports. The latest published figures (2018) show that the industry contribution to EASA made up 67.7 per cent of its total funding of EUR155,449,000. This is a typical percentage compared with previous years. The figures are not broken down by Member State. The CAA’s charging schemes have included funding for Brexit preparations since 2019/20, covering two financial years. This has amounted to £3.2 million. Funding prior to 2019/20 was provided by the Department for Transport. The level of fees paid by industry from 1 January 2021 will depend on the nature of negotiated agreements with the EU and the number of companies and individuals seeking approvals from the CAA. The CAA will consult on any changes to its existing charging schemes.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord morris of aberavon: To ask Her Majesty's Government what restrictions have been imposed on airport passengers arriving in UK airports as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and what assessment they have made of how any such restrictions compare with the restrictions on such passengers arriving in other major capital cities in Europe. [T]

baroness vere of norbiton: The safety of passengers is a priority, and measures are already in place to protect people’s health and safety when travelling by air. All airports are asked to follow Public Health England guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Public Health England has also provided specific guidance on health and safety for flight crews. The advice for travellers is the same as for the rest of the UK population. The Government’s “stay at home” posters are on display at all UK airports and many airports have the messaging on digital screens as well. Airports and airlines have also been provided with Public Health England leaflets to give to passengers outlining the symptoms of COVID-19, current guidance, and general public health advice. Our approach is being kept under review as the pandemic develops.This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.The Department is monitoring closely the measures being put in place in many countries, including all European countries. We continue to work closely with international partners to consider what measures are appropriate.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord cormack: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many passengers have flown into the UK as their final destination since 1 April; and of those, how many were screened or tested at airports for COVID-19. [T]

baroness vere of norbiton: The Department for Transport does not hold official statistics on the number of passengers that have flown into the UK as their final destination since 1 April 2020. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) collects data relating to the movements of commercial flights occurring at UK airports, and this data is received from UK airports up to two months after the end of each month in adherence to statistical regulation (EC) 437/2003 on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of passengers, freight and mail by air. This data collection only contains information on the total number of passengers arriving into UK airports, without the capability to determine passengers arriving into the UK as their final destination. Airlines and airports have already implemented additional measures in response to COVID-19 in line with advice from PHE, SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Airports are displaying posters and digital signage relaying Government information about COVID-19. Passengers arriving into UK airports are being given a leaflet with information about the measures in place in the UK, and announcements are made on aircraft an hour before landing. Whilst there is community transmission within the UK, the role played by imported cases is less significant and so our focus in the current delay phase has not been on screening measures at the border. Our approach is being kept under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Postgraduate Education: Coronavirus

lord bassam of brighton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have extend the provision of funding for postgraduate research students funded by UK Research and Innovation whose studies have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bassam of brighton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) funding, and (2) stipend extensions, they intend to provide to those doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers funded by UK Research and Innovation on fixed-term contracts who gave up their normal work in order to support efforts in combatting COVID-19 and assisting the NHS with testing and community support work.

lord callanan: The Government is aware of the consequent pressures of COVID-19 on universities and research institutions. This is a difficult time for all - both undergraduate and post graduate students, academic staff and researchers. BEIS is working with Department for Education and others to consider how best to support researchers, universities, the research community and research institutions. UKRI has confirmed it will offer a costed extension of up to six months for those PhD students due to complete by 31 March 2021 and whose study has been impacted by the pandemic.  This will apply to those who have redeployed to work on COVID-19 related research or other action to support the response. UKRI has also introduced processes for supporting grant awardees to switch their funding to support COVID-19 priorities.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme: Arts

baroness benjamin: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many businesses in the (1) creative, and (2) music, sector had received support under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme by 14 April.

lord callanan: As of 1 May, in total over £4.7 billion worth of loans have been issued under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to 29,496 businesses. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on providing transparent and regular data publication going forward.

Business: Coronavirus

baroness benjamin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a scheme to assist companies facing cashflow problems due to large numbers of refund requests triggered by COVID-19 related cancellations.

lord callanan: The support announced by the Government is intended to support firms to keep trading throughout this difficult period. Cashflow issues are highly likely to be included in the list of difficulties any of these firms might experience. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides support to small businesses which were viable before the Covid-19 outbreak. The Small Business Grant Fund is designed for eligible small businesses with relatively high fixed costs and experiencing reduced trade as a result of social distancing and closures policies.

Carbon Capture and Storage

baroness liddell of coatdyke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of achieving their net-zero carbon target (1) with, and (2) without, carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

lord callanan: The independent Committee on Climate Change has estimated that the annual cost of delivering a net zero target is within the same range as the 80% target was at the time that target was set in 2008 – equivalent to 1-2% of GDP in 2050. Our own assessment of costs falls within this range. The CCC also advised that meeting our net zero emissions target by 2050 without carbon capture and storage (CCS) is likely to be more costly to achieve.[1] We believe CCS is therefore likely to play a vital role in meeting our target to reach net zero emissions by 2050. As well as reducing emissions, CCS can play a vital role in levelling up the economy – supporting the low carbon economic transformation of our industrial regions, creating new high value jobs, providing new economic opportunities for British companies and supply chains and attracting investment from all around the world. For example, the UK could become a global leader and capture up to £10 billion of an estimated £200 billion per year global CCUS market in 2050, which could support up to 48,000 new jobs[2].[1] https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CCC-Independent-Assessment-of-UKs-Clean-Growth-Strategy-2018.pdf[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-innovation-needs-assessments

Carbon Capture and Storage: Infrastructure

baroness liddell of coatdyke: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding will be required to develop the infrastructure necessary for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the 2020s in order to meet their net-zero carbon target.

lord callanan: We are committed to deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) this decade as we work towards Net Zero by 2050 and see an opportunity for the UK to become a global leader in CCS. That’s why we announced a new CCS Infrastructure Fund which will enhance long-term competitiveness of UK’s industrial regions by providing at least £800 million to establish CCS in at least two UK clusters, one by the mid-2020s and another by 2030, contributing to our net zero targets and levelling up the economy. In parallel, we are investing over £40 million between 2016 and 2021 in CCUS innovation, which includes £4.2 million funding for Tata Chemicals to construct a carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant. When operational in early 2021 the plant will capture and use approximately 40,000 tonnes of CO2 each year to produce sodium bicarbonate and soda ash that can be used in high-end products such as haemodialysis equipment. Through the £24 million BEIS Call for CCUS Innovation, we are funding HyNet, project Acorn, OGCI Climate Investments and Drax/C-Capture to develop their CCUS deployment projects. In addition, UKRI announced the allocation of the first phase of funding for the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge earlier this month, which we expect CCUS to play an important role in.

Energy Intensive Industries: Carbon Emissions

baroness liddell of coatdyke: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the funding set out in the Conservative Manifesto to support energy intensive industries to use to low carbon technologies is new and additional funding for industrial decarbonisation.

lord callanan: The Government has committed an overall package of over £2 billion to help industry on the path to Net Zero. Within this, the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund was announced in November 2018 as a £315 million scheme to provide industry, including energy intensive industries, with support for energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. This scheme is on track to launch in Spring 2020. The 2020 Budget announced measures that reflect Conservative Manifesto commitments and build on existing policies. For example, it included a new £800m Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Infrastructure Fund to establish CCS in at least two sites, one in the 2020s and another by 2030. Other manifesto commitments to support industrial decarbonisation will be considered in the upcoming Spending Review.

Housing: Repairs and Maintenance

lord marlesford: To ask Her Majesty's Government why the sale of building materials that are required to maintain the standards of residential properties are being restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord callanan: The Government has set out that construction and associated activities can continue during the Covid-19 outbreak. No restrictions have been placed upon the sale of building materials. The Government is working with the construction industry to ensure the continued operation of the supply chain, including developing Site and Branch Operating Procedures for firms and merchants.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies

lord triesman: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the names of the members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies that have been providing them with advice on the COVID-19 pandemic; whether they intend to publish the minutes of the meetings of that Group since 14 January; and if so, where they intend to publish those minutes.

lord callanan: SAGE is not a membership body. HMG has not published the names of SAGE participants in line with advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure and standard procedure for COBR meetings, to which SAGE gives advice.HMG will be publishing the names of those participants, who give their consent to this, in the coming days. This will allow for transparency on who is contributing to the science advice being given to the Government.In line with its usual approach, HMG will publish the minutes of relevant SAGE meetings once SAGE stops convening on this emergency. In addition, the evidence which has been used to inform SAGE advice will be published in the coming weeks where appropriate. Papers relating to SAGE will be published on the Gov.uk website.

Employment: Pregnancy

baroness burt of solihull: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that pregnant employees do not suffer detriment at work, including dismissal or less favourable treatment, as a result of following public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord callanan: Government is determined to ensure that pregnant women do not suffer detriment at work in any circumstances, including where they have followed public heath guidance. The Coronavirus outbreak has not changed the law on pregnancy and maternity discrimination. There is no place for it under any circumstances. If a pregnant woman is dismissed or made redundant on the grounds of her pregnancy, this is automatically unfair dismissal. Under Health and Safety legislation, it remains the employer’s responsibility to put in place arrangements to control health and safety risks. There are already specific requirements in place for pregnant workers and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out the expectations around risk assessments, finding alternative work and medical suspension, where necessary. In terms of new specific coronavirus interventions, HSE will consider taking a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks where it is clear an employer is not following Public Health England guidance properly (eg not taking appropriate action on social distancing or ensuring workers in the shielded category can follow advice to self-isolate). Government guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme also makes it clear that pregnant women can be furloughed if they and their employer agree, and provided they meet the normal eligibility requirements.

Foreign Companies: Coronavirus

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have madeloan guarantees available to companies operating in the UK but who are registered offshore during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord callanan: SMEs which are registered abroad are eligible to apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), provided the SME is trading in the UK, not just selling into the UK, has the core of its business operations in the UK, and the CBILS Facility is deployed to support business activity in the UK. The turnover threshold applies to global turnover of the SME or the consolidated group where that applies, but the CBILS scheme can only be used to support UK-based activity.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

lord mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans are being processed quickly and efficiently; and how long, on average, they estimate it will take for a business to receive such a loan.

lord callanan: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) opened for applications on 23 March. Since that date, we have made changes to widen the scheme’s eligibility so that more small businesses across the UK can benefit from the scheme, by extending loans to all viable small businesses affected by the Coronavirus, not just those unable to secure regular commercial financing. We have worked with the lenders to implement some technical changes to the British Business Bank’s processes that ensure that applications will be processed faster. As of 21 April, over £2.8bn worth of loans have been issued under CBILS, to over 16,000 businesses. Lenders, such as banks, are responsible for providing loans supported by the guarantee. The exact terms of each loan and length of application will vary from lender to lender. Lenders are fully aware of the current urgency, so we would expect them to respond appropriately to their customers’ needs.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

lord mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what the interest rates will be for businesses who have been supported via a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, following the end of the 12-month zero-interest rate period of that scheme; and what plans they have to ensure that such rates stay below 6 per cent.

lord callanan: Interest rates charged under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) are set at the discretion of each lender. The UK Government expects that the benefit of the guarantee under the CBILS Scheme is reflected in the interest that is charged on the CBILS Facility. This expectation is re-enforced by the State Aid rules that also require this. The Government held discussions with the banking industry prior to the launch of CBILS and the Business Secretary continues to hold regular calls with each of the biggest CBILS lenders to address feedback on how the scheme has been working and closely monitor its implementation to ensure that companies feel the full benefits of this support. CBILS lenders have agreed that no early repayment charges will be levied should a borrower choose to repay their CBILS facility earlier than planned.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Public Consultation

lord browne of ladyton: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to respond to the consultation on Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) Business Models, which opened on 22 July 2019 and closed on 16 September 2019.

lord callanan: We are committed to deploying carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) this decade as we work towards net zero by 2050 and see an opportunity for the UK to become a global leader in CCUS. We are determined to realise the key strategic opportunities of CCUS in a way that is affordable and value for money for the consumer and taxpayer. As part of this we continue to work closely with industry to design business models which provide value to the economy, drive decarbonisation and are compatible with existing market frameworks. Our intention is to respond to our consultation on CCUS business models in due course.

Sky Lanterns

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban sky lanterns.

lord callanan: The Government has no plans to place a ban on sky lanterns. Local Authorities have powers to apply local controls to restrict or ban the use of sky lanterns on council or public land. Some councils in England, Scotland and Wales have applied a voluntary ban from council owned land. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has published a Code of Practice for sky lanterns, which aims to provide guidance for manufacturers, importers, and retailers.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

lord mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the average interest rate that will be charged to businesses who have been supported via a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan following the end of the 12-month zero-interest rate period of that scheme.

lord callanan: Interest rates charged under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) are set at the discretion of each lender. The UK Government expects that the benefit of the guarantee under the CBILS is reflected in the interest that is charged on the CBILS Facility. This expectation is re-enforced by the State aid rules that also require this. The Government held discussions with the banking industry prior to the launch of the CBILS and the Business Secretary continues to hold regular calls with each of the biggest CBILS lenders to address feedback on how the scheme has been working and closely monitor its implementation to ensure that companies feel the full benefits of this support. CBILS lenders have agreed that no early repayment charges will be levied should a borrower choose to repay their CBILS facility earlier than planned.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Hong Kong: Politics and Government

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of China about the arrest of 15 pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong, including the founder of the Democratic Party.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong's Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

Hong Kong: Politics and Government

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the arrest of 15 pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong; and what steps they are taking, as a co-signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration 1984, to (1) defend the freedom to protest; (2) protect the autonomy of the Legislative Council; and (3) ensure that Article 22 of Hong Kong's Basic Law is upheld and respected, in Hong Kong.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong's Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

Syria: Armed Conflict

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they support the UN’s proposal for a ceasefire throughout Syria until the COVID-19 pandemic is over; and if so, what discussions, if any, they have had with the governments involved in that conflict about that proposal.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We support the UN call for an immediate, lasting, and nationwide ceasefire in Syria to enable complete focus on countering COVID-19. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa discussed this with Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria, on 1 April and we have expressed our support for this initiative at the UN Security Council and in bilateral discussions with some of the countries involved in the Syrian conflict. However, we have not discussed this proposal with the Assad regime since we have had no diplomatic relations with them since 2012.

China: Animals

baroness doocey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they made to the government of China (1) prior to, and (2) subsequent to, the global outbreak of COVID-19 with respect to the regulation or closure of ‘wet’ markets.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Wet markets exist all around the world. All wet markets should follow best practice on hygiene and safety to avoid health issues, whether in China or elsewhere and that should include safe sourcing of animal and other products.The UK has always been at the forefront of international efforts to ensure global trade in wild animals is sustainable and well regulated, including through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We are investing over £36m between 2014 and 2021 and last year pledged a further £30 million over three years to crack down on the abhorrent illegal trade in animals and plants.On 24 February 2020 China's National People's Congress announced a ban on the trade and consumption of wildlife for food. We welcome this decision and urge China to ensure it is strictly enforced so that all meat for sale is sustainably and legally sourced and poses no threat to human health. We have been in regular contact with the Chinese authorities since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, including a phone conversation between the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Wang-Yi on 20 March.

New Zealand: Coronavirus

baroness humphreys: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the current arrangements for UK citizens awaiting repatriation from New Zealand.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The second of five UK charter flights from New Zealand landed at London Heathrow on 27 April. We have so far chartered two flights back from New Zealand, one from Auckland on 28 April and one from Christchurch on 30 April, with one further flight from Auckland on 2 May. In response to demand, a second group of flights has now been opened for booking, departing Auckland on 11, 15 May and Christchurch on 13 May, also to London Heathrow via Hong Kong.We have prioritised the most vulnerable and our NHS workers. We subsequently extended these flights to all British travellers remaining in New Zealand. We have advised those who would like to return to the UK to register with our travel partner Corporate Travel Management (CTM) through their online portal, which can be found in our 'Return to the UK' page of our New Zealand travel advice.

North Korea: Sanctions

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports that the government of North Korea’s traded oil and coal products in 2019, what assessment they have made of the compliance of that government with international sanctions.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British government is committed to upholding sanctions on North Korea and is working with international partners to curtail North Korea's nuclear and missile capability. The UK is concerned about North Korea's evasion of UN sanctions, including via ship-to-ship transfers of unrefined petroleum and the illicit maritime export of commodities, including coal. The British government agrees with the UN Panel of Experts' ssessment that the government of North Korea is in clear breach of international law and has raised its concerns with UN Security Council members. We are of the view that international sanctions must remain in place until North Korea denuclearises.

North Korea: Sanctions

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of North Korea is in violation of UN sanctions prohibiting the export of coal and restricting the import of refined petroleum; what representations they have made to that government about such reports; and what discussions they have had with the government of China about reports that it assisted North Korea in its trade of such products.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British government has been very clear that international law must be upheld, and that UN sanctions put in place to combat North Korea's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes must be fully enforced. We judge that North Korea continues the illicit maritime export of commodities such as coal, and that it is highly likely North Korea has breached the oil imports cap permitted under UN Security Council resolutions. We have raised our concerns with UN Security Council members, including China. The UK calls for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea.

North Korea: Nuclear Power

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of North Korea has continued nuclear activities in violation of its commitments to abandon all nuclear programs; and what representations they have made to that government about such reports.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British government is very concerned at the continued development of North Korea's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The recent UN Panel of Experts' report highlighted that there had been 13 sets of ballistic missile launches in 2019, and there have been a further 4 sets of ballistic missile launches this year. These launches are a breach of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. We have raised our concerns with the government of North Korea, as well as with international partners through the United Nations Security Council. We encourage North Korea to return to meaningful negotiations with the United States.

North Korea: Oil

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of North Korea’s imports of refined petroleum products exceeded the annual limit imposed by the United Nations by up to eight times in the first ten months of 2019.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British government is committed to upholding international sanctions on North Korea and is working with partners to curtail North Korea's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The UK is concerned about North Korea's evasion of UN sanctions, including ship-to-ship transfers of unrefined petroleum and the illicit maritime export of commodities. Our assessment is that it is highly likely that North Korea has breached the cap in oil imports permitted under UN Security Council resolutions, and we have raised our concerns with UN Security Council members.

North Korea: Coronavirus

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of COVID-19 in North Korea, in particular in prisons and prison camps in that country; what representations they are making to the government of North Korea about COVID-19; what humanitarian assistance they are providing to that country; and what assessment they have made of the extent to which international humanitarian assistance is reaching those in need in that country unconditionally.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The North Korean government insist that there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the country. North Korea's border lockdown in response to the virus has prevented aid shipments from entering the country since January and restrictions on internal movement, including for UN agencies and NGOs, has severely impacted the distribution of aid and support. We assess that the country's humanitarian need is likely increasing as a result, especially in the countryside and other vulnerable communities. The UN estimates that just over ten million people are in urgent need of food assistance.The Department for International Development is providing multilateral funds to the UN and other international organisations providing humanitarian assistance in North Korea, including the Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP) in response to COVID-19. As a country of concern in the GHRP, North Korea is receiving funds from this global appeal. We continue to make clear to the North Korean government that international support is available, and urge them to restore international access and monitoring for humanitarian assistance.

Visas

lord bowness: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 24 March (HL2422), what discussions they have had with (1) the EU, and (2) individual member states about allowing UK citizens to visit the EU for up to 180 days without a visa.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The EU has already legislated such that UK nationals will not need a visa when travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in every 180-day period. This will apply from the end of the transition period to all UK nationals travelling to and within the Schengen area for purposes such as tourism.Provisions for UK nationals intending to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period will depend on the approach taken by the EU or by the relevant Member State(s). UK nationals intending to stay in the Schengen Area for longer may need a visa or permit to do so. Member State rules vary and UK nationals should check entry requirements with the Embassy of the relevant Member State.Future mobility arrangements with the EU are subject to ongoing negotiations. Information about travel to the EU for UK nationals after the transition period is provided on the gov.uk website and these pages are updated regularly.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Israeli settlers are breaking quarantine measures to spit at and attack Palestinians and their property; and what steps they intend to take to protect Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank in response.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned by reports that settler violence is continuing at this time. We condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians and we have stressed the importance of the Israel Defense Forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reports that Israeli settlers have built new outposts in the West Bank during the COVID-19 lockdown; and what steps they intend to take in response.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we have not made an assessment of these reports, we are clear that Israeli outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law and Israeli law, should be removed.

Gaza: Agriculture

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Israeli aircraft have sprayed toxic herbicides on to crops near the border fence in the east of Gaza City and damaged farmlands; and what steps they intend to take in response.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Whilst we have not made an assessment of these reports, we are troubled by reports of assaults on farmers and vandalism of agricultural land. We continue to raise with Israeli counterparts our concerns about Israeli action.

Hong Kong: Demonstrations

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the Hong Kong protests issued on 18 April, what plans they have to meet with China’s Ambassador to the UK; whether the UK Ambassador to China will meet with officials in Beijing; and what further steps they are taking in response to those protests as a signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration 1984.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong's Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing and the Chinese Embassy in London, and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

Israel: Palestinians

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all or any of the 180 Palestinian children reportedly detained by the Israeli Authorities have been released since 5 April; and if not, what steps they intend to take.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK has serious concerns about the continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention. We remain committed to working with Israel to secure improvements to the practices surrounding children in detention in the country. We welcomed progress made with recent Israeli policy amendments. We continue to fund projects providing legal aid to minors and capacity building to local lawyers. Specifically, we advocate for the Israeli authorities to inform more consistently detainees of their legal rights. We continue to make representations to the Israeli authorities on this issue. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv did so most recently on 16 December 2019.

Israel: Palestinians

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the repeated arrests of the Palestinian Authority Governor of East Jerusalem and reports of beatings and maltreatment of another Palestinian Authority official.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we have not made representations on the arrests of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Governor of East Jerusalem, the British Consul General in Jerusalem, alongside a number of other representatives, met the PA Minister for Jerusalem Affairs by videoconference on 7 April. They expressed concern at the 3 April raid by Israeli police on his home, his detention and questioning about his work to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in East Jerusalem. We remain concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary rather than as routine practice and as a preventive rather than a punitive measure. We continue to call on the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations under international law and either charge or release detainees.

Jerusalem: Coronavirus

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to discuss with the government of Israel the health needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are deeply concerned about the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities respectively. Both report good cooperation in response to COVID-19 though we continue to call on both parties to avoid any provocative action which might undermine the cooperation that is so critical. UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government are working together to ensure that essential medical supplies and staff reach the OPTs. The UK's $1 million funding contribution will enable the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing capacity.

China: Foreign Relations

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Prime Minister, or his representatives, last spoke tothe President of China.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Prime Minister spoke to President Xi about the coronavirus pandemic on 23 March. A summary of this call is available on gov.uk.

Hong Kong: Politics and Government

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of China about the assault and arrests of pro-democracy leaders and lawmakers, including Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai; and what assessment they have made of the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions. The authorities should focus on rebuilding trust through a process of meaningful political dialogue.The UK remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and enshrined in Hong Kong's Bill of Rights, and we expect the Chinese authorities to respect and preserve Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. We have made this position clear to the Chinese authorities and will continue to do so, publicly and privately.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

lord balfe: To ask Her Majesty's Government to list, by airline, how many repatriation flights they have provided since 1 February for British citizens stranded due to COVID-19; and how many such citizens remain abroad waiting for flights. [T]

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home. Since the outbreak in Wuhan, we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned to the UK via commercial routes - the majority supported by our work with airlines and foreign governments to keep vital routes open. We have now brought back more than 22,500 people on 108 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 22 different countries and territories. We have worked with the following airlines to provide these flights: British Airways, Biman, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, LATAM, PAL, Qatar Airways, Titan, TUI, Virgin Atlantic, Viva, Vueling.We are aware that there are tens of thousands of British nationals remaining overseas and our effort is focused on supporting their return as quickly and safely as possible. Over the next week we will return thousands more Brits on 10s of charter flights from India, Nigeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Guyana, Honduras, Ghana, Pakistan, Nigeria, and New Zealand.

Israeli Settlements

baroness northover: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the announcement by the government of Israel of its intention to commence discussions from 1 July on applying Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements and other territory in the occupied West Bank. [T]

lord ahmad of wimbledon: As we made clear at the UN Security Council remote meeting on the Middle East Peace Process on 23 April, we are deeply concerned by reports that the new Israeli Government coalition has reached an agreement which paves the way for annexation of parts of the West Bank. The UK position is clear: any unilateral moves towards annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel would be damaging to efforts to restart peace negotiations and contrary to international law.

Poland: Elections

lord alderdice: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that Polish citizens living in the UK are able to vote in the Polish Presidential election on 10 May; what steps they are taking to ensure voting at the Polish Embassyis considereda legitimate essential duty; andwhat discussions they have had with the government of Poland about the steps being taken to ensure that adequate social distancing measures are in place at the Embassy when the election is held. [T]

baroness sugg: On 3 April, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued guidance to all missions in the United Kingdom setting out our expectation that countries intending to conduct Out of Country Voting should enable citizens to vote in a way compatible with current social distancing guidelines, for instance through postal voting or in-country representatives. The Polish parliament is currently considering draft legislation to allow for universal postal voting in the Polish presidential elections on 10 May. Senior FCO officials have received assurances from the Polish authorities that the proposed elections will be organised as a postal vote and that Polish citizens in the United Kingdom are not expected to vote in person. The Polish authorities have confirmed that consular and electoral commission staff organising the postal vote will respect social distancing guidelines at all times.

South Asia: Protective Clothing

lord naseby: To ask Her Majesty's Government whetherUK Ambassadors and High Commissionersin southern Asia have been instructed to approach their respective host governments to assess the possibility of establishing joint ventures in the production of personal protective equipment. [T]

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Government is working tirelessly to secure vital supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) from overseas partners to meet UK demand. A joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office-Department for International Trade team was established to work with our network of overseas Posts to identify leads for medical equipment, conduct due diligence, and support the Department for Health and Social Care with the procurement process.We are also working to establish relationships with suppliers in priority markets, including South Asia, where excess manufacturing capability exists and export restrictions aren't in place, with a view to securing the UK's future PPE supply. We have asked Posts to begin engagement with potential suppliers, and engaging governments where appropriate.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Social Services

baroness masham of ilton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to address any potential shortages in care staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bethell: On 25 March a new coronavirus Bill was given Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament. The Coronavirus Act 2020 aims to protect public health, increase National Health Service’s capacity, strengthen social care and support the public to take the right action at the right time.On 27 March the Care Quality Commission published interim guidance on Disclosure and Barring Service and other recruitment checks, for providers recruiting staff and volunteers to health and social care services in response to COVID-19.This guidance represents an interim change in expectations to support the health and social care system. It will only apply for the period the Coronavirus Act 2020 remains in force and will be kept under review during this time. These regulations are effective from 27 March 2020.On 15 April the Action Plan for Adult Social Care was published. The Government’s number one priority for adult social care is for everyone who relies on care to get the care they need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of people rely on this care and support every day. As the pandemic progresses, these vital services must remain resilient and the challenges of COVID-19 go far beyond anything we have previously experienced. The Government’s approach in the action plan is made of four pillars:- Controlling the spread of infection;- Supporting the workforce;- Supporting independence, supporting people at the end of their lives, and responding to individual needs; and- Supporting local authorities and the providers of care.This action plan sets out all settings and contexts in which people receive adult social care. This includes people’s own homes, residential care homes and nursing homes, and other community settings – it applies to people with direct payments and personal budgets, and those who fund their own care. It supports the response services for the people who rely on technology-enabled care and monitoring services. The action plan will support care providers, the care workforce, unpaid carers, local authorities and the NHS in their ongoing hard work to maintain services and continue to provide high quality and safe social care to people throughout the pandemic. While this action plan applies to England only (as adult social care is a devolved matter) the Government of course continues to collaborate across the United Kingdom, to share learning and ensure all nations can benefit from new initiatives where possible.

Coronavirus: Mental Illness

baroness kennedy of cradley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they have put in place to provide additional (1) monitoring, and(2) reporting, of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and other mental illnesses, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bethell: Public Health England has instigated processes with the aim of providing near to real time information about changes to the population’s mental health and wellbeing during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. These processes will identify, gather and analyse available sources of real time (or near to real time) data about population mental health and wellbeing and will bring together, in one place, information on anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.There is currently no national real-time suspected suicide surveillance system - although some local areas have developed such systems. Public Health England is considering how variation in the number and nature of deaths by suspected suicide in the population might be assessed during and beyond the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to monitor, together with the charitable sector and wider civil society, the adverse short- and long-term consequences of the (1) COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) Coronavirus Act 2020.

lord bethell: We are doing everything we can to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its impact. We are mobilising every element of Government to defend our people and our country.On Wednesday 25 March, the Coronavirus Bill 2020 was given Royal Assent. An impact assessment and Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) assessment were conducted in relation to the provisions contained in the Coronavirus Act. The PSED requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between different people when carrying out their activities, including those with protected characteristics. We will continue to consider the impacts on people with protected characteristics when considering how to use powers contained in the Act.The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is proactively engaging across the charity sector to maintain a complete picture of the impact of COVID-19 and is working to identify the additional support charities require through this time of financial instability. On 8 April 2020 the Government pledged £750 million to ensure charities can continue their vital work supporting the country during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Death: Coronavirus

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress have they made in including in the figure of deaths due to COVID-19 announced each day those who have passed away in (1) all types care homes, (2) sheltered housing, and (3) private family homes.

lord bethell: The Government is committed to providing a full and transparent picture of COVID-19-related deaths, while avoiding double counting or publishing statistically misleading information. We publish daily figures on confirmed COVID-19 deaths in hospital, which provide the most up-to-date data on a consistent basis as the vast majority of serious cases and fatalities of the virus will occur in hospital settings.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is also publishing data on deaths registered each week, which includes deaths outside hospital settings. From 28 April 2020, the ONS will publish counts of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes, based on reporting from care home operators to the Care Quality Commission.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the remarks by the World Health Organisation that there is no evidence of COVID-19 immunity amongst those who have recovered from the virus.

lord bethell: The World Health Organization’s statement is correct based on current knowledge.SARS-COV-2 emerged four months ago and most cases outside China have occurred over the last two months.Immunity refers to the protection against re-infection with the same virus or strain of virus because the host has mounted an immune response, usually by way of producing antibodies. Whether these antibodies are just a host response to infection or whether the antibodies are protective against re-infection is yet to be established as there are no published studies that assess the protective capability of the antibodies.It is too early to know how long the protective immune response, if one exists even for the short term, against SARS-CoV-2 will last, as this will require longitudinal serological studies that follow patients’ immunity over an extended period of time.

Coronavirus: Mental Health Services

lord bourne of aberystwyth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional resources they are committing to mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bethell: The Government has recently announced an additional £5 million grant to Mind and the Mental Health Consortia to administer a COVID-19 mental health response fund to mental health voluntary and community sector organisations across England. The aim is to promote mental health and wellbeing support, which complements National Health Service services, to those struggling with their mental health and will include peer support, telephone and online support.We are also working to protect vital mental health services and support people with mental health issues particularly those shielding or self-isolating. We have published official guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing and for parents and carers about supporting their children’s mental health and wellbeing and are promoting this through trusted online channels like GOV.UK and Every Mind Matters.

Protective Clothing: Coronavirus

lord hannay of chiswick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what cross-departmental assessment was made following the confirmation by the European Commission on 17 March that the UK was entitled to participate in the EU’s joint procurement arrangements for personal protective equipment and other COVID-19 related supplies; and what decision was reached as a result.

lord bethell: The United Kingdom Government is working round the clock with industry, the National Health Service, social care providers and the army to ensure the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment such as ventilators.As part of this national effort, we are working with international partners to make sure that we can increase supplies of medical equipment within the NHS and to deliver a strategy that provides the best outcome for the UK.The UK is eligible to take part in European Union Joint Procurements during the Transition Period and we are participating in the joint EU procurement scheme on therapeutics that is soon to launch. We will consider participating in other future schemes on the basis of public health requirements, including any on PPE.

Department for International Development

Coronavirus: Research

baroness sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to support the creation of an international pooling mechanism for COVID-19 research set up by the World Health Organization.

baroness sugg: The UK has long supported affordable and equitable access to essential medicines, vaccines and other health commodities, here in the UK and globally.Measures to ensure access to products that may emerge from research include voluntary patent sharing and licensing, whereby patent holders allow others to manufacture, import, and/ or distribute their patented products to accelerate entry of generic medicines to market, pooled procurement and sharing and information exchange.We are committed to collaborating with public and private partners in the UK and internationally, including exploring voluntary arrangements, such as existing mechanisms, to accelerate development and equitable access in all countries to affordable health technologies for responding to COVID-19. The shape of any agreements are being explored.DFID is supporting global co-ordinating efforts through our support to the WHO R&D Blueprint. The Blueprint aims to accelerate research and innovation to contain the spread of the pandemic and ensure that those affected receive optimal care. This includes support to the ‘Solidarity’ trials which is testing four existing anti-viral agents or combinations which exist already that could be effective against COVID-19.

Developing Countries: Commodity Markets

lord price: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of theeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commodity producers in developing countries; and what support they plan to provide such producers.

baroness sugg: The UK Government is working to assess and respond to the economic impact of COVID-19 on commodity producers. It is estimated that 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy – nearly half of the global workforce – stand in immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed. When assessing the employment landscape of the areas my Department works in, most people are employed along food and agriculture supply chains, including production. Whilst the impact varies greatly across sectors, in the flower and tea sectors we are seeing an immediate lost to salaries as a result of unemployment.That is why we are repurposing key bilateral and multilateral programmes to pivot to help commodity producers impacted. Our Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme has already repurposed its latest awards and is looking for do more with expected new funding. For example, 55 Farmers' Organizations supported by the programme in Bangladesh have already developed 57 virtual call centres to market perishable products through using social medias and mobile apps. This helps protect incomes while avoiding a spike in food insecurity. Our Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness programme is supporting smallholder producers in Malawi, Uganda and Nepal, to keep supply chains going through the crisis through support to transport and market access and increased use of digital technologies.We are urgently examining what funding is needed and how we can have the biggest impact, working in partnership with business and addressing these issues in the most vulnerable countries. I look forward to being able to provide more information on this in due course.

Rohingya: Family Planning

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Bangladesh about the access of Rohingya refugees to sexual and reproductive health and rights services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: In May 2019, DFID undertook a gender review of the Rohingya response. This indicated that sexual and reproductive health and rights services have been accessible and effective in the camps. The Government of Bangladesh decided early in the crisis to deliver the national Essential Service Package to the refugees. This includes contraceptive options, ante- and post-natal care, midwifery services, and menstruation products. These are currently designated as critical services, alongside distribution of hygiene kits, during the COVID-19 period.We are making representations to government about restrictions on telecommunications. This is needed to improve public health information about coronavirus and sexual and reproductive health and rights services.

Department for Education

Industry: White Papers

the lord bishop of winchester: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatprogress they have made in (1) improvingfurther education, (2) meeting future skills needs, and (3) supporting economic and social recovery, since the publication of their Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future White Paper in June 2018.

baroness berridge: We have supported further education (FE) colleges through the Restructuring Facility, investing £405 million and enabling significant restructurings to take place across a range of FE colleges to help achieve long-term sustainability and delivery of high quality, sustainable provision. We have also invested in FE teaching (to date, spending £24 million to help providers prepare for the introduction of T levels) and announced an additional £20 million in FE workforce development to help increase teacher recruitment and retention. We have also committed to invest £1.5 billion in England over the next Parliament to upgrade the college estate. Through the Industrial Strategy, we have committed an investment of £406 million in education and skills. Since its launch, we have invested over £1 billion in total to support learners throughout their education. We have also announced extra investment of £400 million in 16-19 education in 2020-21, which is an increase of 7% in overall 16-19 funding and the biggest injection of new money in a single year since 2010. We are also delivering a long-term programme to reform the post-16 skills system to address national and local productivity challenges, ensuring that businesses and individuals have the skills they need to meet the needs of the new economy. These reforms include involving employers in the design of new apprenticeship standards to ensure they are more responsive to their needs. We are also introducing T levels from 2020, with longer teaching hours and substantive industry placements to provide a high quality technical alternative to academic learning. Additionally, the Adult Education Budget will fully fund or co-fund skills provision for eligible adults aged 19 and above from pre-entry to level 3 (including traineeships) to help them gain the skills they need for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. In addition, we are developing a new £3 billion National Skills Fund to upskill workers and prepare for the economy of the future. These measures will support the 2017 Industrial Strategy, which focuses on strengthening productivity by encouraging innovation, developing high quality jobs, supporting UK businesses and fostering growth throughout the UK to create an economy that works for everyone.

Higher Education: Foreign Students

lord bourne of aberystwyth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide financial assistance to international Higher Education students in England to assist with any increase in the cost of returning to their home countries at the end of the 2019–20 academic year.

baroness berridge: The government has been working closely with the sector to ensure that international higher education students who have remained in the UK have continued accommodation and access to essential services for the duration of their stay. In addition to continuing to provide accommodation for those who cannot travel home or have no alternative residence, providers are also offering a range of other services to international higher education students, including support for catering and cleaning, and support for mental health. International higher education students are encouraged to speak to their provider if they have any specific concerns about financial hardship. Before an international student considers returning to their home country, they should seek advice from their home country’s embassy or consulate in the UK. Students planning to travel should adhere to Public Health England advice while in the UK to ensure they are travelling safely. Students should not travel if they, or anyone else in their household, has symptoms of COVID-19.

Carers: Coronavirus

baroness drake: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to provide additional support to kinship carers who are caring for vulnerable children as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness berridge: Local authorities have a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need living within their areas. This can include support for kinship care families who look after vulnerable children. Councils across England are getting an additional £3.2 billion to help them to deal with the immediate impacts of coronavirus, including to support vulnerable children.Kinship families whose children left care through special guardianship orders are eligible for therapeutic support through the recently announced Adoption Support Fund COVID-19 scheme. The scheme will pay for different types of therapeutic support for families whose children have experienced trauma or abuse in their early life and as a result be made more anxious during the current coronavirus crisis.We are working with sector organisations such as the Family Rights Group and Grandparents Plus who represent kinship carers to understand the challenges and identify opportunities to increase the support available to them.

Free School Meals: Coronavirus

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to extend the range of supermarkets and convenience stores able to accept school meal vouchers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness berridge: Free school meal vouchers can currently be spent in a variety of supermarkets. Initially, the scheme includes supermarkets that already have e-gift card arrangements in place with Edenred, including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, M&S and Waitrose. On 21 April we confirmed that Aldi will be added to the list of supermarkets from week commencing 27 April. We continue to work with a wide range of supermarkets to encourage them to join. This involves them having the right infrastructure to deliver e-gift cards in a uniform way across their network of stores.

Relationship and Sex Education

lord maginnis of drumglass: To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons they have learnt from the criticisms of Warwickshire County Council’s “All About Me” programme to deliver relationships and sex education that it included inappropriate content; what assessment they have made of whether other education authorities’ relationships and sex education programmes include inappropriate content; and what steps they are taking to ensure programmes to deliver relationships and sex education in primary schools do not include inappropriate content once it becomes a mandatory part of the curriculum in September.

baroness berridge: We want to support all young people to be happy, healthy and safe. We also want to equip them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society. That is why we are making relationships education compulsory for primary-age pupils, relationships and sex education compulsory for secondary-age pupils, and health education compulsory in all state-funded schools from September 2020.Schools will have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects, so they can develop an approach that is sensitive to the needs and backgrounds of their pupils. The statutory guidance also sets out some clear advice on choosing resources. The guidance sets out that schools should ensure that they assess each resource that they propose to use and ensure that it is appropriate for the age and maturity of pupils, and sensitive to their needs. These resources must also be factually accurate. The statutory guidance is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/805781/Relationships_Education__Relationships_and_Sex_Education__RSE__and_Health_Education.pdf.Schools will be expected to consult when developing and reviewing their primary school relationships education and secondary school relationships and sex education policy. Schools should also ensure that parents know what will be taught and when, and communicate the fact that parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory relationships and sex education. Schools should also ensure that, when they consult with parents, they provide examples of the resources that they plan to use.To support schools in their preparations, the department is investing in a central support package to help all schools to increase the confidence and quality of their teaching practice. We are currently developing a new online service featuring innovative training materials, case studies and support to access resources. This will cover all the teaching requirements in the statutory guidance and will include advice on what things to consider when selecting appropriate resources.

Protective Clothing

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to request students studying design and technology to produce personal protective equipment.

baroness berridge: We have no plans to request students studying design and technology to produce personal protective equipment.

The Senior Deputy Speaker

House of Lords: Coronavirus

lord storey: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans the House of Lords Commission has to enable eligibility for members who are working from home to receive their daily allowance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord mcfall of alcluith: The House of Lords Commission has agreed to temporarily suspend the usual system of financial support for members and replace it with one which allows members to claim the allowance at the half-rate of £162 for participation in; a sitting of this House or a Committee of the House; a virtual proceeding of this House or a virtual meeting of a Committee of this House; participation in such other Parliamentary business as may be determined by the House of Lords Commission.The Commission has also agreed that this new, temporary arrangement should be applied retrospectively from 21 April. It is expected that a resolution to this effect will be put to the House for agreement this week.

Department for International Trade

Imports

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to establish a unit to deal with import substitution before the end of the transition period agreed with the EU.

lord grimstone of boscobel: The Department for International Trade has no current plans to establish an Import Substitution Unit.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Sleeping Rough: Immigrants

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of migrants sleeping rough; and what guidance they have issued to local authoritiesabout the provision of emergency accommodation for such migrants.

lord greenhalgh: My Department’s latest official annual Rough Sleeping Snapshot Statistics published on 27 February 2020 provide information about the estimated number of people sleeping rough across all local authorities on a single night between 1 October and 31 November 2019. These statistics provide a way of estimating the number of people sleeping rough across England on a single night and of assessing change over time.The majority of people sleeping rough on a single night in England in 2019 were from the UK. In 2019, there were 2,735 people from the UK (64 % of the total) estimated to be sleeping rough on single night, 937 people (22 % of the total) who were EU (Non-UK) nationals and 151 people (4 % of the total) who were from outside the EU and the UK. The nationality of 443 people (10 % of the total) was ‘not known’.For more information please see the following (attached) link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rough-sleeping-snapshot-in-england-autumn-2019/rough-sleeping-snapshot-in-england-autumn-2019.We are providing £3.2 million in targeted funding to help support individuals who are sleeping rough off the streets, and an additional £3.2 billion for local authorities as part of the wider Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.It is at the discretion of local authorities, using their exiting legal powers, to decide who they can accommodate during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether this is British citizens or foreign nationals.



Rough sleeping snap shot
(PDF Document, 1 MB)

Homelessness: Coronavirus

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration, if any, they have given to using the former RAF Sealand station to accommodate homeless people and others in need of temporary housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: We do not currently have any specific plans to use RAF Sealand to accommodate homeless people during the Covid-19 pandemic but we are exploring all options, working closely with colleagues across Government, including the Ministry of Defence.Over 90% of those on the streets and in communal night shelters known to local authorities at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic.Councils across England will receive another £1.6 billion in additional funding as they continue to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. With this funding councils can provide support to those who need it most. This takes the total funding to support councils to respond to the pandemic to over £3.2 billion. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those currently unable to self-isolate.In addition, we have been working with the Greater London Authority and a number of hotel chains across the country to secure accommodation for rough sleepers and we have now introduced a centrally coordinated process across Government for block booking hotels.

Parish Councils: Coronavirus

baroness scott of needham market: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to provide parish and town councils with funding to enable them to support communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: Whilst we applaud the assistance that many parish councils are providing to their local communities in the current crisis, Government does not financially support parish councils. They are funded through a precept collected from within the overall council tax paid by the residents of the parish. There are no plans to change the funding arrangements for such councils.On Saturday 18 April the Local Government Secretary announced an additional £1.6 billion of funding to support principal councils delivering essential frontline services, taking the total to £3.2 billion. Parish and Town Councils should liaise with the relevant principal authorities on how this money is allocated in their area.

Parish Councils: Coronaviurs

baroness scott of needham market: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether parish and town councils are eligible bodies for, and can therefore apply to, the (1) Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (2) Small Business Grant Fund, and (3) Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

lord greenhalgh: The Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund have been designed to support smaller and rural businesses and some of the sectors which have been hit hardest by the measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19.It is not expected that parish and town councils would be eligible to receive a grant as they are not businesses. Where parish and town councils have set up organisations, including trusts, that meet the grant criteria, they may be eligible and parish and town councils should liaise with their relevant local authorities to determine whether this is the case.

Retail Trade: Coronavirus

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers are available to local authorities to take action if retail outlets (1) open outside of the Government's COVID-19 guidelines, or (2) persistently flout the rules on selling essential items.

lord greenhalgh: The government's Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 enforces the closure of certain businesses and venues in England, including many retail premises. Takeaway and delivery services may remain open and operational. Online retail is still open and encouraged and postal and delivery service will run as normal.Businesses and venues that breach the Regulations may be subject to prohibition notices, and a person, who is 18 or over, carrying on a business in contravention of the Regulations may be issued with a fixed penalty. Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers will monitor compliance with these Regulations, with police support provided if appropriate. With the support of the police, prohibition notices can be used to require compliance with the Regulations including requiring that an activity ceases. It is also an offence, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with a prohibition notice. If prohibition notices are not complied with, or fixed penalty notice not paid, this can also be taken to court with magistrates able to impose potentially unlimited fines.

Housing: Construction

baroness thornhill: To ask Her Majesty's Government what adjustments they will make, if any, to (1) the target of delivering one million homes in the forthcoming five years, and (2) the Housing Delivery Test methodology, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: Building the homes the country needs is vitally important, and we are committed to working with partners to find a safe way of continuing work across the country during this difficult time. Over the last few days we are beginning to see more developers reopening sites following careful consideration of public health guidance. And together, we will continue to work towards our goal to get Britain building again. We note the concerns some authorities are raising on the housing delivery test and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Travellers: Coronavirus

lord bourne of aberystwyth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all Gypsies, Roma and Travellershave access to basic utilities, water and sanitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: Local authorities have a responsibility to look after vulnerable groups in their area, including Gypsy and Traveller communities. That is why I wrote to local authority Chief Executives on 11 April highlighting the need to mitigate potential impacts of COVID-19 amongst Gypsy and Traveller communities. In this letter, I noted that some Gypsies and Travellers may need assistance in accessing basic facilities such as water, sanitation and waste disposal, to enable them to adhere to public health guidelines around self-isolation and social distancing.The Government is determined to ensure everyone gets the support they need to look after themselves and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak and are enabled to take the necessary measures to reduce the spread of the virus. We are holding regular discussions with representatives from Gypsy and Traveller communities to understand the issues they are facing, and to understand what guidance and support is needed, including for local authorities. On 18 April, the Local Government Secretary announced that councils across England will receive a further £1.6 billion to help them to deal with the immediate impacts of coronavirus. This takes the total funding to support councils to respond to the pandemic to over £3.2 billion.

Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures are in place to provide care for rough sleepers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: We have been working with the Greater London Authority and a number of hotel chains across the country to secure accommodation for rough sleepers and we have now introduced a centrally coordinated process across Government for block booking hotels.Over 90% of those on the streets and in communal night shelters known to local authorities at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic.This response is backed by £3.2 billion of additional funding for local authorities to enable them to respond to COVID-19 pressures across the services they deliver. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those currently unable to self-isolate.The Government has made clear that no one should be without a roof over their head and this funding further demonstrates our commitment to assist the most vulnerable in society.

Planning Permission: Coronavirus

lord marlesford: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist on 2 April (HL2957), whether the Planning Inspectorate will accept Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project applications, including those for Sizewell C nuclear plant, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: The Planning Inspectorate is continuing to receive applications for Development Consent Orders for nationally significant infrastructure projects, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Inspectorate has published guidance on how it will continue to carry out its duties under the Planning Act 2008 in respect of Development Consent Order applications. We are encouraging developers to consider pragmatic ways of adhering to the requirements on them in these exceptional circumstances to support the continuation of decision-making.The application for the Sizewell C proposals is due to be submitted in May 2020. When an application is received the Planning Inspectorate have a period of up to 28 days to decide whether or not the application meets the satisfactory standards required to be accepted for examination.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support homeless people and ensure that they have permanent accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: Over 90% of those on the streets and in communal night shelters known to local authorities at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic.This response is backed by £3.2 billion of additional funding for local authorities to enable them to respond to COVID-19 pressures across the services they deliver, including stepping up support for the adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those currently unable to self-isolate.We have also introduced a package of measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus. With these in force, landlords must give all renters 3 months’ notice if they intend to seek possession.The Chancellor has also announced that for 2020/21, we will increase the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that they are set at the 30th percentile of market rents. This will mean that many people renting in the Private Rented Sector will see an increase in their housing support from April 2020, providing extra security during these uncertain times.The Government has made clear that no one should be without a roof over their head, and this work further demonstrates our commitment to assist the most vulnerable in society.

Floods: Coronavirus

lord triesman: To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they have made to assist people whose houses were damaged by recent flooding and are now required to remain in those houses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and what further steps they intend to take to mitigate any future difficulties experienced by such people.

lord greenhalgh: To assist households impacted by the February severe weather incidents, the Government activated the Flood Recovery Framework, a comprehensive package of support measures to support local recovery.This package includes the Community Recovery Grant, a one-off £500 hardship grant, available to eligible flooded households. Those households are also able to receive a 100% Council Tax rebate (for a minimum of three months); rebates will apply to the flooded property and any temporary accommodation those households are required to move into. In addition, the DEFRA sponsored Property Flood Resilience scheme makes available grants of up to £5,000 to eligible flooded households to improve the resilience of those properties against future flooding incidents.

Small Businesses: Coronavirus

baroness bonham-carter of yarnbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide further tools to local government to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: Government is providing a package of support for businesses and workers, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This includes £12.3bn for local authorities to deliver to SMEs under the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. On 1 May, the Business Secretary announced a further up to £617 million available to local authorities to support small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funding. Government is working closely with all local authorities to help them make payments to businesses as quickly and effectively as possible, whilst safeguarding public funds. As part of this we have provided detailed guidance and FAQs, regular briefings and one-to-one support from ministers and officials. Government will also provide additional funding to local authorities to meet the administrative costs of delivering this policy. Alongside support through local authorities, the Chancellor pledged an additional £10 million to increase Growth Hub capacity and provide high-quality business advice and guidance across all 38 Growth Hubs.

Arts: Coronavirus

baroness bonham-carter of yarnbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many creative industries businesses have applied for the (1) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans scheme, (2) the Small Business Grants Fund, and (3) the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund since their introduction.

lord greenhalgh: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) opened for applications on 23 March. As of 21 April, over £2.8 billion worth of loans have been issued to over 16,600 businesses. Lenders have received a total of over 36,000 applications.At this time we cannot provide a breakdown of CBILS funding by sector, as we have given lenders a temporary dispensation from uploading their data to the British Business Bank’s system in order to let them focus on issuing new loans. This is a pragmatic step that reflects the urgency of getting loans issued. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on providing transparent and regular data publication going forward.Government has also made £12.3 billion available to businesses under the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. On 1 May, the Business Secretary made up to £617 million available to local authorities to support small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funding. Local authorities are contacting businesses directly to deliver these grants. See this link for further (attached) information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/top-up-to-local-business-grant-funds-schemeAs of 3 May, over 697,000 business premises have received grants across the two schemes, totalling £8.6 billion. We do not receive management information from local authorities broken down by sector. We have, however, published, a full breakdown of grant funding allocated to and distributed by each local authority (attached) here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-grant-funding-local-authority-payments-to-small-and-medium-businesses.



Local authority grant payment
(Excel SpreadSheet, 31.58 KB)




Business grant funds scheme
(PDF Document, 116.24 KB)

Local Government: Coronavirus

baroness pinnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend the requirement in the Local Government Act 1972 for a member of a local authority to attend at least one meeting of that authority every six months, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord greenhalgh: The Government has no plans to amend the attendance requirements.The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 enable all local authority meetings to be held remotely. Remote attendance by members of a local authority counts for the purposes of the six- month rule on attendance.As the country responds to the Covid-19 emergency, it is vital that local authorities can continue to function effectively, dealing with essential business in line with democratic principles whilst protecting the health and safety of their members, officers and the public.

Non-domestic Rates: Coronavirus

baroness thornhill: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Local Government Association about (1) the administration of and (2) the effectiveness of the COVID-19 business rate relief scheme.

lord greenhalgh: Businesses are expected to receive almost £10 billion in business rate relief as part of the Government’s comprehensive package of support for the economy during the coronavirus pandemicIn line with usual practice, the Government has worked with the Local Government Association and local government practitioners to support the administration and implementation of this relief.

Ministry of Defence

*No heading*

lord campbell of pittenweem: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure Continuous At Sea Deterrence until the deployment of the first Dreadnought submarine.

baroness goldie: The Government is committed to maintaining a Continuous At Sea Deterrence posture for as long as the global security situation demands. We are providing the investment and resources to maintain the VANGUARD Class to assure the transition to the Dreadnought Class.

HMS Dasher

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Secretary of State for Defence on 9 May 1996 (HC Deb, vol 277, cols 225–6W), how many bodies were recovered after the sinking of HMS Dasheron 27 March 1943; how many of those lie in marked graves, whether as a sailor known unto God, or named; and where those gravestones are.

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Secretary of State for Defence on 9 May 1996 (HC Deb, vol 277, cols 225–6W), how families can claim the bodies of those that died as a result of the sinking of HMS Dasher on 27 March 1943; what steps they have taken to support families that could not claim their relatives bodies as a result of war time security measures; and what further information they have provided to those families about the whereabouts of their relatives’ bodies.

baroness goldie: HMS DASHER tragically sank in March 1943 following an explosion onboard where no enemy action was involved. Records show that 23 servicemen are buried in marked graves at the following locations, Ardrossan Cemetery (13), Greenock Cemetery (7), Frizington Roman Catholic Cemetery (1), Mearns Cemetery (1) and at Paisley (Hawkhead) Cemetery (1). It is Government policy that, where a wreck of a ship is the final resting place for our Service men and women, they should be allowed to lie undisturbed. As DASHER is the last known resting place for 356 servicemen, the wreck is designated as a controlled site under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986; this means the site can only be accessed under a licence granted by the Secretary of State for Defence. The lives of those lost are commemorated on war memorials around the country.

Iran: USA

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the maritime incident involving Iranian vessels and United States naval forces on 15 April in the Arabian Gulf; and what discussions they have had with the governments of Iran and the United States, in particular with regard to each of those governments’ differing versions of events.

baroness goldie: We are aware of an interaction between US and Iranian vessels in the international waters of the northern Gulf on 15 April. Reports of IRGC harassment are concerning. It is important that all mariners uphold the highest standards of conduct at sea, and that states are able to safely undertake legitimate naval activity in International Waters. We are regularly in contact with US and some Iranian counterparts to discuss bilateral issues and to urge de-escalation on all sides.

Department for Work and Pensions

Employment: Disability

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to review the Voluntary Reporting Framework on Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing, published in November 2018; and how many (1) employers have reported data, and (2) employees have had their data reported, via that Framework.

baroness stedman-scott: There is no requirement for employers to notify the Government if they are using the Voluntary Reporting Framework on Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing. As such, no data is held on the total number of businesses and related employees that are currently reporting on this. From November 2019 however those employers signing up to or renewing Disability Confident Level 3 Leader status have been required to use the Voluntary Reporting Framework, and other Disability Confident employers are being encouraged to use it.

Employment: Disability

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of UK employers are currently signed up to Disability Confident; and what percentage of employers they estimate will be signed up by the end of 2020.

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of UK (1) private, and (2) public, sector employers are currently signed up to Disability Confident; and what percentage of (a) private, and (b) public, sector employers they estimate will be signed up by the end of 2020.

baroness stedman-scott: As at 31 March 2020, 17,869 employers had signed up to Disability Confident (DC). This represents 1 per cent of UK employers in 2019, of which there are estimated to be 1.329 million (Business population estimates 2019). The information requested on private and public sector employers is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.In the current climate it is not possible to estimate the number of DC employers at the end of 2020.

Universal Credit: Coronavirus

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) proportion, and (2) number, of people who have made new Universal Credit claims since COVID-19 pandemic related policies were introduced in the UK have dependent children; and of those, what (a) proportion, and (b) number, are subject to the two-child limit benefit policy.

baroness stedman-scott: The information requested is not currently available as most COVID claims have not yet got to the stage where they are due their first payment. We plan to release an assessment of how many claimants are affected by the child-limit policy as part of our regular statistics on the two child limit. This assessment is due to be released in summer 2020.

Parental Pay: Coronavirus

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether furloughed employees will have continuity of service in order that, for example, prospective parents do not lose out on statutory parental pay which requires a qualifying period.

baroness stedman-scott: Being placed on furlough does not have an impact on an individual’s continuity of service. The Government is committed to supporting all workers at this time, including working parents. We have amended Regulations to ensure that prospective parents do not lose out on parental pay as a result of being furloughed. The changes will apply to workers starting a period of family-related statutory pay on or after 25 April 2020, and mean that individuals will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than a furloughed pay rate.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Agriculture: Coronavirus

baroness mcintosh of pickering: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey have made of the impact of COVID-19 on the farming and agricultural sectors.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government is aware that coronavirus represents a very significant challenge, affecting daily life and every part of the economy. We are working closely alongside the agricultural industry to ensure that we understand and manage the impacts on farming and the agricultural sectors. Defra’s Food Chain Emergency Liaison Group (FCELG) is meeting regularly to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the food and farming sectors across the UK, and what actions are needed to support the sectors. This group includes the National Farmers Union (NFU), other industry stakeholders and the devolved administrations. Since 18 March, the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group (UKAMMG) has increased the frequency of its meetings to weekly. Its aim is to monitor UK agricultural markets and provide forewarning of any atypical market movements. During the coronavirus outbreak this is allowing Defra and the devolved administrations to share the latest stakeholder information to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry, as well as prepare the evidence base for a possible range of interventions needed in specific markets, or geographical regions. Officials are having regular meetings with the different agricultural sectors to understand the specific issues affecting each sector. We have also provided all agricultural industry stakeholders with a central point of contact to send details of any emerging impacts as and when they arise. The Secretary of State remains in regular contact with representatives of the farming and agricultural sectors and will continue to engage with them on the effects of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation and to work closely with the farming sectors to respond to emerging issues as they arise.

Fly-tipping: Coronavirus

baroness mcintosh of pickering: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of municipal waste site closures on the prevalence of fly tipping; and what advice they provide to local councils about reducing the incidence of fly tipping.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: Fly-tipping is unacceptable and the Government is committed to tackling this crime. We are aware of reports of an increase in fly-tipping and that, anecdotally, this may be a result of the decisions taken by local authorities to close household waste recycling centres. However, this does not appear to be consistent across the country. We have requested fly-tipping incident data through the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group (NFTPG), chaired by Defra, which includes local authorities and other key stakeholders, to help us to monitor the situation. We have published guidance to help local authorities prioritise waste services. This recommends keeping household waste recycling centres open if it is safe to do so and that the clearance of fly-tipped material should be given a high priority. The Government has been working with local authorities to explore ways in which household waste recycling centres that have been closed might be re-opened, whilst observing social distancing and other requirements. The Government published guidance on this on 5 May 2020. Through the NFTPG, we have also disseminated messaging aimed at householders promoting the secure storage of waste, use of registered waste carriers and reiterating that waste must not be fly-tipped.

Horticulture: Coronavirus

lord marlesford: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to respond to the letter from the Master of the Company of Gardeners to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, dated 9 April, about the difficulties experienced by the horticultural industry as a result of the COVID-19 regulations; and what consultation they have conducted into the case for reopening garden centres under conditions which could maintain social distancing.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: The Government are aware of the challenging position facing the horticulture industry during this period and are grateful for the letter from the Master of the Company of the Gardeners highlighting some of the issues faced by the sector. A response can be expected from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs imminently. The Government continues to assess the decision on garden centres, but concluded at the last review that it was too early to ease any restrictions on such retail environments. Social distancing requirements will continue to be considered in accordance with this review. Stores can operate Click and Collect services as long as orders are taken online, by telephone or via post and customers remain outside of the store to collect their goods.In this situation, as generally, businesses are advised to operate with strict adherence to the social distancing guidelines.

Fisheries: Coronavirus

lord soley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to provide financial support to the UK fishing industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and when they intend toimplement any such plans.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government announced a £10 million funding package for England’s fishing and aquaculture sectors on 16 April. The fund will help businesses within the sector meet the fixed costs they face, including insurance, equipment hire and port costs, and will help secure the long-term future of the English fishing industry. This includes a £1 million Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme, which will fund projects to help seafood businesses in England increase the supply of local seafood to domestic markets. Further information and guidance is available on MMO’s website.

Dairy Products: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist farmers and processors to find alternative outlets for milk and other dairy products that would otherwise go to waste due to disrupted supply chains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord gardiner of kimble: Defra is working very closely with both farmer and processor representatives through this period of disruption to manage the impact on the dairy supply chain of Covid-19. Farmers supplying milk to processors that sell into the food service sector have seen a significant reduction in demand and we have taken several steps to support those affected.This includes by temporarily setting aside some elements of competition law to enable farmers and the wider dairy sector to work together to minimise milk being wasted and to ensure it is processed into longer life dairy products. This approach will allow the market for milk to adjust to the change in demand for milk while allowing production to be restored when shops, restaurants and pubs are able to open again.The Government's Covid-19 Business Interruption Loans scheme is available to the dairy industry to support them in this difficult period. I urge those farm businesses for whom it is appropriate to consider accessing these loans. Defra has held urgent discussions with the major banks to ensure they understand that farmers, milk buyers and milk processors are eligible for this scheme and we are working to increase awareness across the dairy industry. HMT have also now announced the new Bounce Back Loan scheme which will apply to businesses operating in agriculture. This will ensure that the smallest businesses can access up to £50,000 loans. The government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee on each loan, to give lenders the confidence they need to support the smallest businesses in the country. We will also cover the first 12 months of interest payments and fees charged to the business by the lender.The Government also took a number of early emergency steps to support dairy farmers and the wider sector. These included designating employees in the food sector as key workers and temporarily relaxing the normal rules on drivers' hours, enabling the sector to keep supply chains running, including deliveries from farm gate to processors.

Food: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to provide access to land to individuals and communities seeking to establish individual or community food growing schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government values green spaces such as allotments and considers them to be an important community asset, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak. Allotments play an important role in helping people to live a healthy and active lifestyle and in providing food. Local councils have a statutory duty under Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 to provide a sufficient number of allotments based on local demand in an area and to let them to people residing in that area who want them. The provision of allotment spaces is the responsibility of local councils as they are best placed to determine the demand in their area. In 2012, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a best practice guide for community groups wanting to find land to grow fruit and vegetables. This is available on the GOV.UK website at:www.gov.uk/government/publications/space-for-food-growing-a-guide. The Local Government Association also provides guidance on allotments and community food growing schemes in its “Growing in the community” guidance, which is available online at: www.local.gov.uk/growing-community-second-edition.

Agriculture: Seasonal Workers

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the Pick for Britain initiative, which aims to fill vacancies on fruit and vegetable farms.

lord gardiner of kimble: We know how important seasonal workers are to our farmers and we are aware of the impact that restrictions on travel from other countries, as a result of Covid-19, is having on the number of seasonal workers coming to work in the UK. We need to mobilise the British workforce to fill that gap and make sure our excellent fruit and vegetables are on people’s plates over the summer months.The Pick for Britain (PfB) website is a recently launched joint Defra and industry initiative to support this effort. The website acts as a central hub to signpost people to the jobs available. It provides guidance and resources so growers, workers and industry can have a single place to go, available at https://pickforbritain.org.uk/. The website also provides links to a wide range of recruitment campaigns organised by labour providers. The PfB website includes links to the Government’s ‘Find A Job’ website, giving access to a wide reach of potential applicants. The Find a Job website has more than 1.6 million registered users and is available here: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/.Our farmers are doing a fantastic job of feeding the nation during this challenging time. To help our farmers, industry Best Practice Guidance for employers of seasonal agricultural workers to avoid the spread of coronavirus has also now been published, which has been endorsed by Public Health England: https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus/social-distancing-farm-businesses.

Food: Coronavirus

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what support and guidance they have provided to local authorities, volunteer groups and supermarkets to ensure efforts to provide food to vulnerable people are coordinated.

lord gardiner of kimble: We are working closely with other Government departments and Local Government representatives to provide a coordinating and supporting function to support local authorities, supermarkets and the voluntary and community sector to provide access to food to vulnerable people. To date we have arranged for considerably more than 500,000 food parcels to be delivered to the most vulnerable and at risk. We are working with major retailers to prioritise delivery and click & collect slots for those who are most vulnerable and at risk. We have shared with supermarkets the details of those who have registered as extremely clinically vulnerable and needing to shield, and who need help accessing food. Supermarkets have matched these names against their own customer databases and offered people the option of priority access to online delivery. Most supermarkets are also offering prioritised delivery or click and collect slots to those they have identified as vulnerable from their own customer database. We are working closely with local authorities, retailers, food companies and charities to enable those vulnerable people outside the most vulnerable and at risk to access food through a variety of ways, including: volunteers shopping for them, deliveries from local retailers and food companies, as well as accessing supermarkets for a priority delivery or click and collect slot. The NHS Volunteer Responders programme is available to help support people who are struggling to access food. In addition to health and care professionals, a number of approved Voluntary and Community Services organisations are now able to refer vulnerable individuals into the system to receive support from the volunteers. And we have been supporting the NHS with working with retailers on payment solutions for paying volunteers.

Air Pollution

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government how the £304 million announced in the 2020 Budget for local authorities to improve air quality will be allocated, and what time period the fund covers.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: The 2020 Budget allocated an additional £304 million to support delivery of the NO2 plan, bringing the total amount of funding committed to tackling NO2 to £880 million. This further funding covers the years 2020-2022 and will be used to support those local authorities identified in the NO2 plan to deliver and mitigate the impacts of measures to tackle exceedances of legal limits for NO2.

Fisheries: Coronavirus

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the timetable for distributing the £10 million of financial support for fishing businesses in England affected by COVID-19; and what additional resources will be made available to the Marine Management Organisation to ensure applications for the grants to fishers whose business has suffered market disruption are processed in a speedy manner. [T]

lord gardiner of kimble: The Fisheries Response Fund (FRF) is the first part of a £10 million funding package for the English fishing and aquaculture industries which was launched into operation by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) within two hours of receiving approval on 20 April 2020. In the first nine days 1200 fishing businesses have been contacted, 750 have responded and so far 550 payments have been made direct into business’ bank accounts. To date a total of £2.3 million has been paid out under the fund with more payments continuing to be made each day.The second part of the fund is a grants scheme, the Direct Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS), for projects that will support the sale of locally caught seafood in domestic markets as well as supporting the consumption of locally caught seafood. This scheme was launched on 29 April 2020 and will close on 11 May 2020. A panel of industry representatives will meet to review applications and MMO will announce the grants to be made from 15 May 2020.MMO used its current resources to design and develop the processes for both funds within days of their announcement. MMO has trebled the size of its grants team (redeploying colleagues from other MMO teams) and extended its opening hours to include evenings and Saturdays to support applicants for both schemes and ensure payments are issued as quickly as possible.

Home Office

*No heading*

baroness scott of needham market: To ask Her Majesty's Government what alternatives are available for registering a birth where the local registrar has closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and how the 42-day legal deadline will be dealt with in such circumstances.

baroness williams of trafford: Information for a birth registration is legally required to be given in person by a qualified informant before a registrar. The General Register Office for England and Wales (GRO) has advised that birth registration appointments should, where possible, be deferred while the current measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 are in place. Where there is an urgent need for a birth to be registered, GRO and Local Authority registrars are considering how this can be achieved on a case-by-case basis within public health guidance and local authority policy.The requirement for births to be registered within 42-days of the date of birth is not currently being enforced. Longer term planning to ensure all births are registered will be aligned to public health guidance.

Refugees: Children

lord dubs: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many unaccompanied child refugees have been admitted tothe UKunder (1) section 67 of the Immigration Act2016, and (2)the Dublin Treaty,since 2016.

baroness williams of trafford: Over 220 children were transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 when the Calais camp was cleared in late 2016. Since then we have been making continuous progress towards achieving our commitment of relocating 480 unaccompanied children. We will publish the current number of transfers under section 67 on 21 May 2020 along with the publication of the quarterly immigration statistics.Between 2016 and 2019, 590 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were transferred to the UK under articles 8.1 and 8.2 of the Dublin III Regulation – the two principle articles in Dublin that allow an unaccompanied child to join a family member lawfully present in the UK.

Asylum: Finance

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) increase asylum support rates in line with Universal Credit, and (2) provide further support to asylum seekers to assist with essential living requirements, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness williams of trafford: We are currently reviewing the level of the cash allowances, as we do each year, to ensure that they remain capable of meeting the essential living needs of asylum seekers. There are no plans to increase the level of the cash allowances to Universal Credit levels.

Domestic Abuse: Victim Support Schemes

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they intend to take to ensure that victims of domestic abuse can access support and protection during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what plans they have to provide publicly funded services to migrant victims without recourse to public funds in line with the commitment of the Welsh Government.

baroness williams of trafford: Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what the stresses. We are working closely with the sector, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the police to understand the impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse.In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chancellor has announced a funding package of £750 million to support charities including those providing domestic abuse services. The Home Office has announced an additional £2 million in funding to support technological capability such as specialist helplines and websites.We have also launched a new campaign to signpost victims to the support services available. The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, aims to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time.Non-British victims of domestic abuse who are residing in the UK and who are not already eligible for the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession are able to apply for support from local authorities regardless of their immigration status. A £3.2 billion package of funding has been allocated to local authorities to help them respond to pressures across all the services they deliver and support individuals on the basis of need.

Immigration Controls: Coronavirus

baroness brady: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce COVID-19 health checks and quarantine measures at the borders and entry points for people travelling to the UK; and if not, why not. [T]

baroness williams of trafford: Our approach to tackling coronavirus is driven by the latest scientific and medical advice. In line with that advice to date, no changes have been required at the UK border.Any decision to implement additional restrictions on international travel to the UK or on arrival at ports/airports will be made based on the consideration and advice of SAGE/Public Health England.We will continuously review the most appropriate response at the UK border to the changing situation in relation to CV-19, both in the UK and across the international communityTo date medical and scientific advice is that screening at the border, particularly given the current low passenger volumes and CV-19 levels within the UK, would make no material impact. There are also significant challenges with thermal screening including:Low likelihood of identifying individuals with COVID-19 given the incubation period can be anywhere between 2 and 14 days;High probability of identifying false positives or those with other conditions who will need clinical assessments to ascertain they have Covid-19; andEasy to circumvent: by taking fever-suppressing drugs.There are similar concerns with clinical screening.

Asylum: Housing

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of (1) homeless people, and (2) asylum-seekers, who are sharing emergency or asylum accommodation and are unable to self-isolate if necessary; and what steps they are taking to address this issue. [T]

baroness williams of trafford: (1) This is a public health crisis more than anything and so requires a health response. To enable this our priority is to bring vulnerable people inside so they can self-isolate and stop the virus spreading. More than 5,400 rough sleepers and people who have been living in accommodation with communal sleeping spaces such as night shelters  – over 90% of those known to local authorities at the beginning of the crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic. This is a truly remarkable achievement, and one which is the result of the hard work of local government, agencies and charities across the country, who have helped to get people off the street and into safe accommodation, protecting the most vulnerable in society and ultimately saving lives.  We announced that councils across England will receive another £1.6 billion in additional funding to enable them to respond to other COVID-19 pressures across all the services they deliver, stepping up support for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people. This takes the total funding to support councils to respond to the pandemic to over £3.2 billion. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding for councils to support vulnerable rough sleepers.(2) The Accommodation providers recognise the challenge of managing COVID 19 within our accommodation estate and are working closely with Public Health England (PHE) on how their guidance on social distancing and self-isolation is properly applied, while ensuring that people can continue to access essential services.In Initial Accommodation facilities, which tends to be hostel based, PHE Guidance recommends that separate rooms and segregation be provided for symptomatic people, or they should be moved to hotels. Our providers have configured their accommodation estate to meet this guidance.In Dispersed Accommodation, which is houses or homes of multiple occupancy accommodating small numbers, Service Users have been provided guidance to ensure they socially distance or self isolate in line with the advice provided to the general public. Additionally, services providers have enhanced their contact management and wraparound services to ensure access to medical care, food packages and other essential items.

Immigration Controls: Coronavirus

baroness shackleton of belgravia: To ask Her Majesty's Government what health screening, if any, occurs at UK borders to identify people with COVID-19 entering the country.

baroness williams of trafford: Border Force's remit does not extend to medical screening of passengers at ports. Medical assessments of arriving passengers is for Public Health Officials.Anyone arriving at the border identified by Border Force officers as potentially symptomatic will be directed to follow the latest public health advice.Schedule 21 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 confers a power on immigration officers to direct or remove a person who they reasonably suspect may be infectious with coronavirus to a suitable place for screening and assessment by a public health officer. These powers may be exercised following prior consultation with a public health officer, where practicable, and with regard to the relevant guidance.We are currently working with the relevant public health authorities to develop guidance for the use of these powers.

Cabinet Office

Care Homes: Coronavirus

baroness cox: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of those who have died in care homes whose death certificate mentioned COVID-19 were (1) discharged from hospital to a care home, and (2) admitted to a care home from their residential address.

lord true: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond. Dear Baroness Cox,As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking how many of those who have died in care homes whose death certificate mentioned COVID-19 were (1) discharged from hospital to a care home, and (2) admitted to a care home from their residential address (HL3011).The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes mortality data that are compiled from information supplied when deaths are certified and registered as part of civil registration.  Table 1 below shows the number of deaths that occurred in care homes in England and Wales where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate in 2020 (occurring up to week 16; the week ending 17 April 2020 and registered by 25 April). The data is broken down by place of usual residence, which is either home or care home, and the residency period. The length of residency is therefore used here as an indication of whether the individual had recently moved (within the last 6 months) into the care home, prior to their death. Please note this data is provisional.Data identifying whether the individual had recently transferred from hospital to the care home, prior to their death, is currently unavailable.Yours sincerely,Professor Sir Ian Diamond Table 1: Provisional figures on death occurrences in care homes where coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate in England and Wales and place of usual residence was home or care home[1][2][3][4] Residency length6 months or overUnder 6 monthsUnknownTotalTotal2,4121,023673,502Care home2,144438482,630Home26858519872Source: ONS [1]Deaths of non-residents are included in the England and Wales total.[2]Figures based on date a death occurred rather than registered. There is sometimes a delay in registering deaths, more information can be found in our registration delay release.[3]Care homes include homes from the chronic sick; nursing homes; homes for people with mental health problems and non-NHS multi-function sites.[4]These figures are calculated using the most up-to-date data we have available to get the most accurate estimates. Therefore it is based on deaths registered up to 25 April

NHS: Coronavirus

lord farmer: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to recognise National Health Service workers who served on the medical front-line during theCOVID-19 pandemic; and whether any such plans include minting a medal for such workers.

lord true: The Government is carefully considering the appropriate way to remember, reward and recognise those involved in the COVID-19 response. We will ensure that any recognition takes into account frontline workers and volunteers across all critical sectors, above all the NHS and social care. The profound gratitude the nation feels towards everyone on the frontline, and to those working in health and social care in particular, means it is beholden on the Government to ensure recognition is both timely and appropriate. Further details will be announced in the usual way.

Constitutions: Reform

lord foulkes of cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to implement UK-wide constitutional reform; and what steps they intend to take ensure that any such plans are inclusive of all devolved nations and regions within the UK.

lord foulkes of cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to establishing a UK-wide constitutional convention to address issues of democratic accountability and devolution.

lord true: The Government has announced its intention to develop proposals to restore trust in our institutions and in how our democracy operates. Further announcements on this will be made in due course. We will of course consult across the UK, including with the devolved administrations, on any issues that would affect devolved competence or where devolved nations will have a significant interest.The Government has no plans to establish a UK wide constitutional convention.

Press Conferences: Coronavirus

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government why there has been no British Sign Language interpreter present at the daily COVID-19 briefings broadcast from Downing Street.

lord true: It is vital that key information is accessible to all. Since the daily press briefings began, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation has been available on the national broadcaster. The BBC provides BSL interpretation at the daily No10 press conference via its News channel, Youtube channel and iPlayer. This is available free to air.

Treasury

Foreign Exchange

lord birt: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Earl of Courtown on 3 February (HL543), whether the Banking: Conduct of Business sourcebook rule 2.3.7CG(3), published in the Financial Conduct Authority Handbook, that “the cost of a currency transfer service includes the margin between the exchange rate that would be offered to a majority of persons of the class at whom the promotion is directed and a currently applicable interbank exchange rate, calculated using an independently published interbank spot rate”, will be applied to providers calculating the currency conversion charge for consumers under the Cross Border Payments Regulation to ensure that providers show the full cost payable by a consumer.

lord agnew of oulton: The Second Cross Border Payments Regulation (CBPR2) updates rules on the transparency of currency conversion charges within the European Union. The UK has left the EU, and during the transition period EU laws that currently apply, or will start to apply during the transition period, will apply to the UK. Under the terms of section 8 of the EU Withdrawal Act 2018 (and as further amended by the EU Withdrawal Agreement Act 2020) the Government has the power to fix deficiencies in EU legislation retained following the transition period. The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Principles for Businesses and Handbook Banking: Conduct of Business sourcebook (BCOBS) also apply to UK providers of currency transfers services. BCOBS 2.3.7CG(3) is guidance (not a rule) so is an example of one way to comply with the relevant FCA rule (at BCOBS 2.3.7BR). As stated in its Policy Statement PS19/3 making BCOBS 2.3.7CG(3) (‘General standards and communication rules for the payment services and e-money sectors’), the FCA acknowledged that CBPR2 would impact cost disclosure requirements, particularly in relation to credit transfers. The FCA has since convened a group of industry representatives to discuss and agree on a common presentation format of the information required by CBPR2. The FCA has stated that it will continue to monitor the progress and if it does not see improvements in cost disclosure to customers, it will consider consulting on additional rules and guidance.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the introduction of the COVID-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme on (1) creative workers who have had recent gaps in their earnings because of pregnancy or caring responsibilities, (2) creative workers who have just returned to the UK from overseas working, (3) deaf and disabled workers who claim Universal Credit or other benefits, and (4) those who have become self-employed since April 2019.

lord agnew of oulton: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will help those adversely affected by COVID-19 and means the UK will have one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world. Those in any industry who have recent gaps in their earnings for whatever reason could still be eligible for the SEISS. For example, if an individual is self-employed but is taking a break from their trade because of a new baby or adoption, or have done since 6 April 2019, they may still be eligible because HMRC will treat the individual as still trading. Individuals may also be eligible for the grant if they are self-employed and are non-resident in the UK, but will have to confirm to HMRC that their UK trading profits are at least equal to their other worldwide income. Self-employed individuals, including eligible deaf and disabled individuals, can make a claim for Universal Credit while they wait for the grant. The grant may affect the amount of Universal Credit they get, but it will not affect claims for earlier periods. It has not been possible to include those who began trading after the 2018-19 tax year in the SEISS. This was a very difficult decision and it was taken for practical reasons. Unlike for employees, self-employed income is not reported monthly, but at the end of each tax year on the individual’s Income Tax Self Assessment return. This means that the most reliable and up-to-date record of self-employed income is from the 2018-19 tax returns, which were due at the end of January 2020. The Government recognises that those who started trading more recently will not have submitted a tax return for the 2018-19 tax year, and it considered alternative approaches. However, HMRC would not be able to distinguish genuine self-employed individuals who started trading in 2019-20 from fake applications by fraudulent operators and organised criminal gangs seeking to exploit the SEISS. Those who are not eligible for the SEISS could be eligible for other significant financial support announced for UK businesses, including the Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and the deferral of tax payments.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-employment Income Support Scheme

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people who are part-employed and part self-employed can access support through both the COVID-19 Job Retention and Self-employment Income Support Schemes.

lord agnew of oulton: It is possible for individuals to benefit from both the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) if they meet the individual criteria for both schemes. For the CJRS, this will depend on furloughing decisions by the employer. For the SEISS, it will depend on whether an individual has at least 50% of their total income from trading profits in either 2018/19, or an average of the (up to) three years between 2016/17 and 2018/19. Further details can be found on GOV.UK.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government how profits are defined under the COVID-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme.

lord agnew of oulton: The new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will help those adversely affected by COVID-19. It means the UK will have one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world. Full guidance on how HMRC work out trading profits and non-trading income for the SEISS can be found on GOV.UK.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the self-employed can still earn at the same time as claiming through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: Individuals who receive a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme can continue to work, start a new trade or take on other employment including voluntary work, or duties as an armed forces reservist. Full guidance on the SEISS can be found on GOV.UK.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Arts

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Equity members who are currently contracted in TV and theatre under a weekly payroll and have other characteristics of employees but have self-employed tax and National Insurance status because of their pattern of work are eligible under the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme.

lord agnew of oulton: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is only open to individuals who were employed on 19 March 2020 and on their employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020. Individuals who are not eligible for the CJRS may be able to access the other support the Government is providing. The new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will allow eligible individuals to claim a grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid in a single instalment covering 3 months, and capped at £7,500 altogether. Self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, are eligible if they have submitted their Income Tax Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19, continued to trade and have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Full details can be found on GOV.UK. Individuals who are not eligible for the CJRS or the SEISS may be able to access other support the Government is providing to support individuals through the outbreak, including an increase to the Universal Credit (UC) standard allowance and Working Tax Credit basic element, and a relaxation of the UC minimum income floor for all self-employed UC claimants affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) remove the £50,000 earnings cap for those self-employed people who may claim a grant through the COVID-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme, and (2) provide support for self-employed people who run as limited companies and pay themselves in dividends, not PAYE, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: Some 95% of people who receive the majority of their income from self-employment could be eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), based on 2017-18 data. The scheme, including the £50,000 threshold, is designed to be targeted at those who need it the most, and who are most reliant on their self-employment income. The self-employed are a very diverse population. They have a wide mix of turnover and profits, with monthly and annual variations even in normal times. Some may see their profits unaffected by the current situation, while others have substantial alternative forms of income: for example, those who had more than £50,000 from self-employment profits in 2017-18 had an average total income of more than £200,000. The self-employed can also offset losses against profits in other years and other forms of income. Income from dividends is a return on investment in the company, rather than wages, and is not eligible for support. Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources, and between dividends in lieu of employment income and as returns from other corporate activity. Expanding the scope would require HMRC to collect and verify new information. This would take longer to deliver and put at risk the other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as quickly as possible. Individuals who are not eligible for the SEISS may be able to access other support Government is providing, including the Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available on GOV.UK.

Holiday Leave: Coronavirus

baroness royall of blaisdon: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of employees (1) taking, and (2) being required to take, annual leave whilst on furlough.

lord agnew of oulton: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is a vital element of the Government’s efforts to protect the economy during COVID-19. Employees continue to accrue holiday while on furlough, as per their employment contract, unless the employer and employee agree to vary this as part of the furlough agreement. It remains the case in employment law that an employer may ask employees to take holiday in the period of furlough. This would be a negotiation between employer and employee, and Working Time Regulations require holiday pay to be paid at an employee’s normal rate of pay. In order to provide extra flexibility, where it is not reasonably practical for an employee to take some, or all, of the holiday to which they are entitled due to Covid-19, holiday can now be carried over into the next two leave years. During this unprecedented time, the Government is keeping the policy on holiday pay under review.

Companies: Coronavirus

baroness benjamin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the suitability of current COVID-19 support schemes for single person companies where the worker draws dividends in lieu of a salary from the company.

lord agnew of oulton: Income from dividends is a return on investment in the company, rather than wages, and is not eligible for support. Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources, and between dividends in lieu of employment income and as returns from other corporate activity. Expanding the scope would require HMRC to collect and verify new information. This would take longer to deliver and put at risk the other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as quickly as possible. Individuals who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme may be able to access other support Government is providing, including the Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available on GOV.UK.

Protective Clothing: VAT

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to remove VAT from all personal protection equipment.

lord agnew of oulton: A temporary zero-rate of VAT will apply to sales of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection from COVID-19 from 1 May 2020 until 31 July 2020. The temporary relief is being introduced as an urgent response to the coronavirus emergency. Its main objective is to relieve businesses, particularly in the healthcare and residential care sectors, of the burden of tax on essential infection protection equipment needed to deal with the emergency. The measure will allow VAT-free supplies of PPE to reach the widest possible range of businesses, charities and individuals.

Non-domestic Rates: Coronavirus

baroness bonham-carter of yarnbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the 100 per cent business rates holiday for the next 12 months to “all leisure business in England”, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 17 March, will cover the offices of such businesses, including theatre production offices and places used for content production such as studios; and what guidance they have provided to local authorities about that business rates holiday.

baroness bonham-carter of yarnbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to support creative industries businesses whose premises have a rateable value higher than £51,000.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government published updated guidance on 25 March. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as creative industry businesses, has also been made available. For example, the Government has launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank, backed by an 80% Government guarantee, and is deferring VAT payments for this quarter. The Government will consider any further financial assistance necessary to help businesses get through this period.

Schools: Coronavirus

baroness burt of solihull: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to providing ‘top up’ income support for employees who are unable to work their full hours due to childcare commitments arising from school and nursery closures.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government recognises it is a challenge for parents to balance paid work and childcare while schools and nurseries are closed. Schools remain open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable children, and the Government has put in place a national voucher scheme to provide free school meals for children while at home. Families who see a fall in earnings may become eligible for support through the welfare system, including through Universal Credit (UC). Existing UC claimants are likely to receive a higher award as a result of a fall in earnings. For employed claimants this will be updated automatically using information from the PAYE system. In response to the crisis, the Government has strengthened the welfare system, including by increasing the UC standard allowance and the Working Tax Credit basic element by £20 per week. In addition, to protect people’s jobs and incomes as far as possible during the crisis, the Government has announced a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Parents: Coronavirus

baroness burt of solihull: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential economic benefit of parents being allowed to undertake reduced hours on full pay rather than being furloughed whilst balancing work and care commitments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help those who otherwise would have been made unemployed and to provide support to businesses as quickly as possible. Allowing employers to move staff to part-time and claim the difference would have substantially increased the risk of fraud. However, there is flexibility in the scheme as employers can decide how many staff to furlough, and staff can be furloughed multiple times while the scheme is in operation, provided they are furloughed for a minimum of three weeks. The Government recognises that it is challenging for parents to balance paid work and childcare while schools and nurseries are closed. Schools remain open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable children, and the Government has put in place a national voucher scheme to provide free school meals for children while at home. Families who see a fall in earnings may become eligible for support through the welfare system, including through Universal Credit (UC).

Dental Services: Coronavirus

lord colwyn: To ask Her Majesty's Government what the evidence base was for excluding dental practices from the business rate relief support being offered during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what plans they have, if any, to extend that support to include such practices.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as medical service providers, has also been made available. The Government will consider any further financial assistance necessary to help businesses get through this period.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether employees on Maternity Allowance can categorise that Allowance as earnings for the purpose of calculating furlough payments.

lord agnew of oulton: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to keep their employees and protect the UK economy.Under the CJRS, an employer will be entitled to claim for a grant that covers 80% of their furloughed employee’s usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month. They can also claim for the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions, up to the level of the minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contribution, on that subsidised furlough pay. For employees on fixed pay, claims for full or part time employees furloughed on return from family-related statutory leave should be calculated against their salary, before tax, not the pay they received while on family-related statutory leave. The same principles apply where the employee is returning from a period of unpaid statutory family-related leave. Claims for those on variable pay, returning from statutory leave should be calculated using the highest of either:80% of the same month’s wages from the previous year (up to a maximum of £2,500 a month)80% of the average monthly wages for the 2019 to 2020 tax year (up to a maximum of £2,500 a month)

Economic Situation: Coronavirus

lord price: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different age groups.

lord agnew of oulton: There is currently insufficient data to enable us to assess the precise economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual groups. We recognise the challenges the current crisis is having on all groups in society, including the most vulnerable. The Government has announced an unprecedented package of support – including boosts to Universal Credit, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), the Bounce Back Loan scheme, and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme – which will help protect incomes, jobs, and support those most at need.

Public Finance: Coronavirus

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ongoing costs associated with measures announced to assist businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect against the current economic emergency. These steps are necessary to ensure that the country, economy and public finances are stronger in the longer-term. Precise costs will depend on a range of factors including the impact of the crisis on the wider economy and the level of take up for each scheme. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have published a coronavirus reference scenario on 14th April which provides insight into the potential fiscal costs under a particular set of economic circumstances and have updated their policy costings table on 30th April. In their scenario, the OBR estimate the direct cost of Government decisions to be £103.7 billion in 2020/21. The OBR note that the measures taken should help limit the long-term damage to the economy and public finances – and the costs of inaction would have been higher. A full assessment of the economic and fiscal position will be made at the next Budget alongside an updated OBR forecast.

Public Finance: Coronavirus

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to recover the costs associated with measures announced to assist businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect against the current economic emergency. These steps are necessary to ensure that the country, economy and public finances are stronger in the longer-term. The Government has announced substantial support through loans and guarantees, and businesses remain responsible for repaying government-supported loans. It is clear that the costs of other measures of the Government's necessary response, and the impact on the economy, will lead to an increase in borrowing this year. The Government expects this increase in borrowing to be temporary and intends to finance this through the Government’s normal debt management operations. The OBR note that the measures taken should help limit the long-term damage to the economy and public finances, and that the costs of inaction would have been higher.

Balance of Payments: Coronavirus

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the UK's balance of payments.

lord agnew of oulton: Official balance of payments statistics relating to the period of COVID-19 disruption in the UK are not yet available. The Office for National Statistics will publish trade statistics for March 2020 in May, and will publish balance of payments statistics for the first quarter of 2020 towards the end of June. The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect against the current economic emergency. Our economic response is one of the most generous and comprehensive globally and the government is now working urgently to deliver these schemes as quickly as possible. The Government is monitoring the impact measures are having with regard to supporting public services, businesses, and individuals, and keeps all policies under review.

Non-domestic Rates: Coronavirus

baroness thornhill: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to extend the business rate relief scheme to other sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, has also been made available. For example, the Government has launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank backed by an 80% Government guarantee, and has deferred VAT payments for this quarter.

Pension Funds: Coronavirus

baroness altmann: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to assist pension funds in matching their liabilities, in the light of the current COVID-19 pandemic-related issues in asset markets, by issuing (1) longevity or mortality gilts; (2) gilts linked to the consumer prices index; and (3) gilts specifically linked to limited consumer price inflation measures. [T]

lord agnew of oulton: The Debt Management Office (DMO) continues to issue long-dated conventional gilts and index-linked gilts (linked to the Retail Prices Index), which are instruments often used by pension funds to match longer term liabilities. Decisions on the exact composition of debt issuance are informed by an assessment of investor demand for debt instruments by maturity and type as reported by stakeholders, and as manifested in the shape of the nominal and real yield curves; and by the government’s appetite for risk. The former is noted at quarterly consultation meetings with market participants, held by the DMO. At present, the UK Government does not have any plans to introduce any new debt financing instruments in response to Covid-19. The government remains open to the introduction of new debt instruments, but would need to be satisfied that any new instrument would meet value-for-money criteria, enjoy strong and sustained demand in the long-term and be consistent with wider fiscal objectives.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Charities: Coronavirus

lord addington: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the loss of income of charities in the educational sector who rely upon providing training to teachers and lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness barran: I am aware of the strain that many charities are under during this time of financial uncertainty and increased demand on their services. On 8 April, the government announced a £750 million funding package for charities delivering frontline services. Unfortunately not all charities will be able to benefit from this, so they should also consider whether they are eligible for other existing government schemes, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, Business Interruption Loans and deferring VAT payments.

Voluntary Organisations: Coronavirus

lord addington: To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) guidance, and (2) support, they have provided to voluntary and not-for-profit organisations such as amateur sports clubs who normally generate funds through social occasions in their own licensed premises to enable them to continue functioning after the lockdown period; whether any such guidance is published; and if so, where.

baroness barran: The Government has announced a number of support packages for voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, who have been impacted by Covid-19. These include the National Lottery Community Fund’s £300m, the Arts Council’s (£50m) and Sport England’s (£20m) Emergency Funding packages. The Government is also distributing £310m via the National Lottery Community Fund to support voluntary organisations most affected by Covid-19 as part of the wider £750m Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise funding package announced by the Chancellor. This is in addition to the wider HM Treasury support packages, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Business Interruption Loans and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants, all of which the charitable sector are eligible for. Full details of Government guidance and support during the current coronavirus epidemic for organisations including amateur sports clubs can be found on GOV.UK.

Culture: Coronavirus

baroness bonham-carter of yarnbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to use current cultural funding streams to support the cultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness barran: The Government has worked with various Arms Length Bodies to create tailored funding packages, made up of existing funding, to support the cultural sector at this time.Arts Council England has announced a £160m emergency response package to complement the financial measures already announced by the Government and support the resilience of this vital sector. This funding package will support organisations and individuals who need the most support to see them through this crisis. More details can be found on the Arts Council’s website (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19).The National Lottery Heritage Fund is also making £50 million available through the Heritage Emergency Fund which will address immediate pressures over the next 3-6 months for those most in need alongside increased investment in essential digital skills across the sector, providing expertise in critical areas such as digital fundraising, use of social media and communications, running online events and activities.Historic England has also launched a £2 million Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide grants to small heritage organisations. This funding will help organisations, voluntary groups and self-employed contractors survive the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic, and to prepare for recovery.

Ministry of Justice

Prisoners: Sexual Offences

baroness mcdonagh: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many sexual assaults have been carried out by trans prisoners against women prisoners and prison officers in prisons in eachyear since 2010; in which prisons any such assaults took place; and in each case, what action was taken against the perpetrator.

lord keen of elie: We have strict safeguards in place to care for and manage transgender individuals in custody while protecting our staff and others in custody. There have been no reported incidents of any type of sexual assault against prison officers by transgender prisoners. Since 2010, out of the 122 sexual assaults that occurred in the female estate a total of five of those were sexual assaults against females in custody perpetrated by transgender individuals. These occurred at HMP Low Newton, HMP Foston Hall, HMP Peterborough (Female) and HMP Bronzefield. However, we are not able to break this data down year by year, as it may then be used to identify individuals. Information on the action taken against each perpetrator is not held centrally.

Prisoners: Rape

baroness barker: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many incidents of female prison staff being raped by male prisoners self-identifying as females occurred during the period January 2018 to May 2019.

lord keen of elie: There is no record of any type of sexual assault on female prison staff by transgender individuals in custody. Strict safeguards are in place to care for and manage transgender individuals in custody while protecting our staff and other service users.

Women and Equalities

Equal Pay

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps, if any, they are taking to (1) measure, (2) monitor, and (3) reduce, the (a) gender, (b) ethnicity, (c) disability, and (d) LGBTQ+, pay gap.

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure transparent and consistent workforce data reporting to support (1) women, (2) BAME, (3) disabled, and (4) LGBTQ+, graduates to realise their potential and, on merit, reach the top of their professions.

lord shinkwin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to incentivise and reward those businesses that report on the (1) gender, (2) ethnicity, (3) disability, and (4) LGBTQ+, pay gap.

baroness berridge: Pay gaps are caused by a range of factors. To address them, we must ensure that everybody has equal access to opportunities.In 2017, we introduced mandatory gender pay gap reporting for large employers, providing an unprecedented level of transparency. The gender pay gap is currently at a record low of 17.3%. However, the gap for full-time employees increased slightly to 8.9%. To address the drivers of the gap, we’ve set out a package of commitments aiming to empower women from school right through to retirement.The Government ran a consultation from October 2018 to January 2019 on Ethnicity Pay Reporting and received over 300 detailed responses. The Government met with businesses and representative organisations to understand the barriers towards reporting and what information could be published to allow for meaningful action to be taken. We have also run voluntary methodology testing with a broad range of businesses to better understand the complexities outlined in the consultation using real payroll data and will share next steps in due course.Calculation and monitoring of disability and LGBT pay gaps raises significant issues of self-reporting and data accuracy and this data is not widely collected by employers. Although we have no plans for data collection of pay for these characteristics, we want to achieve practical changes for disabled people, which remove barriers and increase opportunity. The Government will publish an ambitious ‘National Strategy for Disabled People’. We will ensure that the lived experience of disabled people is at the heart of the new National Strategy and focus on the issues that disabled people say affect them the most.The 108,000 respondents to the National LGBT Survey told us that their priority in the workplace is to tackle discrimination. So the Government Equalities Office is exploring the creation of a package of measures to tackle LGBT workplace discrimination. LGBT people should be able to be themselves in the workplace, so that they can do their best work and achieve their full potential.Diverse workforces make good business sense. For example, organisations in the top 25% for gender diversity on their executive teams are 21% more likely to have profits above their industry average, and organisations where over 20% of managers are women have been associated with higher performance than organisations with less than 15% representation of women.